Researchers found that albuminuria, a marker of kidney damage, is associated with increased risk of developing moderate-to-severe COPD and declining lung function. The study suggests that endothelial damage in the lungs may play a key role in COPD development and progression.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using solid fuels for cooking is linked to a higher risk of hospitalization or death from respiratory diseases. The research, conducted in China, suggests that switching to clean-burning fuels can significantly lower this risk.
A new guideline published by the American Thoracic Society recommends weight loss strategies for adults with obstructive sleep apnea, particularly those who are overweight or obese. The guideline suggests comprehensive lifestyle interventions and behavioral counseling to help patients achieve weight loss.
Researchers found that inhaled steroid use is associated with a higher risk of developing nontuberculous mycobacteria lung infections. The study analyzed medical records of patients diagnosed with NTM lung infections and found that the odds of infection were 2.7 times greater in those who used inhaled steroids.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that New York State's sepsis reporting mandate led to improved care and reduced mortality rates for critically ill patients. Patients who received standardized treatment protocols had shorter hospital stays and lower mortality rates.
A new international guideline has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a rare and often fatal lung disease. The guidelines provide evidence-based criteria for diagnosis and recommend multidisciplinary discussions to facilitate accurate diagnosis.
A study found that progressive massive fibrosis cases among US coal miners rose by 31.5% annually between 1996-2016, defying expectations given improved dust control measures. The increases were highest in Virginia and Kentucky.
A study found that nearly 40% of women with asthma may develop COPD, but certain factors such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic status may lower this risk. The researchers identified individual risk factors playing a more significant role in the development of COPD overlap syndrome than exposure to air pollution.
A randomized controlled trial found that inhaled vaporized cannabis did not improve or worsen exercise-related breathlessness in patients with advanced COPD. Despite some variability in response, the study's results suggest no clinically meaningful effect of cannabis on breathlessness during exercise.
A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that supplemental oxygen eliminated the rise in morning blood pressure experienced by OSA patients who stopped using CPAP. The study suggests that intermittent hypoxia is the dominant cause of daytime increase in blood pressure in OSA.
A randomized, controlled trial found that supplemental antioxidants decreased the risk of time to first exacerbation requiring antibiotics in patients with CF. The study also showed increased circulating antioxidant concentrations and transiently decreased inflammation in the antioxidant-treated group.
A randomized controlled trial found that higher daily doses of rifampin killed more TB bacteria in sputum cultures without increasing adverse effects. The study also showed that higher doses resulted in increased elimination rates of TB bacteria from sputum.
A randomized, controlled trial found that administration of nitric oxide gas during and for 24 hours following heart surgery decreased the risk of acute and chronic kidney problems. Nitric oxide reduced the risk of acute kidney injury by 50% and chronic kidney disease by 21%.
Immunocompromised patients with sepsis are more likely to die if treated in a hospital caring for a relatively small number of these patients. Hospitals that treat large numbers of immunosuppressed patients with sepsis may improve outcomes, study results suggest.
A new study has demonstrated that video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) under local anesthesia can be safely performed on patients with lung cancer who previously would have been deemed inoperable. The procedure showed better patient satisfaction and reduced length of stay compared to traditional surgical methods.
Researchers found statistically significant associations between yearly changes in PM2.5 and ozone concentrations with yearly change in hospital admission rates for ARDS among seniors. Hospital admissions increased even when seniors were exposed to levels below current air quality standards.
A recent study by Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons found that poor older adults with Medicaid insurance who receive treatment for a critical illness in the ICU are more likely to die after hospital discharge compared to those with commercial insurance. The disparity is greatest among survivors of critical illness wi...
A new study finds that e-cigarette flavoring cinnamaldehyde significantly disrupts normal cell physiology, impairing airway cilia motility and mitochondrial function. This could have implications for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
A study found that patients hospitalized for asthma who received antibiotics had longer hospital stays and higher costs, but no reduced risk of treatment failure. Antibiotic-related diarrhea was also more common in treated patients.
The study found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a decline in ICU admission rates among patients with ambulatory-care sensitive conditions. Rates of uninsurance and Medicaid coverage increased significantly in expansion states, suggesting improved access to care.
Researchers found that stable heavy smokers experienced greater decline in lung function compared to those who never smoked. However, smokers who quit had a lower risk of developing emphysema and lung disease than stable, low-rate smokers despite having smoked more cigarettes.
A recent study found that progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) cases among former US coal miners increased by 50% since 2000, with the highest rates in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The researchers attribute this trend to inadequate dust control measures, longer working hours, and higher silica exposure levels.
A recent study has found that pregnant smokers who take daily vitamin C supplements may have babies with improved lung function and reduced risk of wheeze. The researchers measured forced expiratory flows in infants born to mothers who smoked, and found significant differences in lung function at three months and one year.
A study found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet can blunt the association between long-term exposure to air pollution and increased risk of deaths from all causes, cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular diseases. However, adherence did not protect against ozone's harmful effects on cardiac health.
A study of 463 adults found that higher anthocyanin intake was associated with slower lung function decline over 10 years. Individuals in the highest quartile of anthocyanin consumption had a slower rate of decline in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume compared to those in the lowest quartile.
Among 20,900 lung cancer patients, those with at least one palliative care encounter were 82% less likely to die by suicide. Palliative care aims to relieve physical pain and address psychological issues, improving quality of life for patients with life-threatening illnesses.
A new study has found a significant association between increased prenatal CO exposure and decreased lung function in infants. Infants whose mothers were exposed to CO during the second and third trimesters were at highest risk for reduced lung function.
A long-term study has found that exposure to ozone at birth is associated with an increased risk of developing asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema in childhood. The study, which followed 1,881 children from birth to age 17, found that even small increases in ozone exposure were linked to a higher risk of developing these conditions.
A large-scale study found that inpatient opioid use and insufficient weaning before discharge may increase outpatient opioid prescriptions. Nearly half of patients who received opioids during hospitalization were more likely to report outpatient opioid use within 90 days.
A randomized placebo-controlled study found that CPAP treatment significantly lowered resting heart rates during the day and night in patients with OSA and prediabetes. The effects were comparable to those of beta blockers, which block stress hormones and raise heart rates.
A multidisciplinary lung health clinic has been developed to provide quality, seamless care for low-income individuals with lung conditions. The clinic uses best practices such as interdisciplinary teams, patient navigators, and walk-in services to improve patient outcomes.
A study found that armodafinil did not improve driving performance or reduce daytime sleepiness in individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea. However, participants taking the drug lost more body fat than those receiving a placebo, suggesting potential benefits for weight loss.
The ATS Foundation and ResMed have partnered on a new two-year research fellowship to study sleep apnea and positive airway pressure. This funding will support future leaders in the sleep field and help patients with sleep apnea, a public health crisis that affects millions worldwide.
A new study found that brief exposure to fine particulate matter PM2.5 is associated with the development of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children, leading to increased doctor visits and hospitalizations. The research suggests that air pollution may impair the body's ability to fight off infections or cause damage ...
A new blood test has been developed to predict tuberculosis (TB) development in high-risk individuals, such as those living with active TB, up to two years before its onset. The 'RISK4' signature measures the expression levels of four genes associated with inflammatory responses and shows improved accuracy compared to existing tests.
Researchers found that a low dose of dexmedetomidine at night significantly reduced the incidence of delirium and prolonged free periods without delirium in ICU patients. Additionally, patients receiving dexmedetomidine were less likely to experience severe pain if they were in pain, but sleep quality showed no significant improvement.
A new study found that women who clean at home or work experience a greater decline in lung function over time compared to those who do not. The accelerated lung function decline is comparable to smoking less than 20 pack-years.
The American Thoracic Society and Marron Institute report estimates that meeting the ATS's standards for ozone and fine particulate matter would save approximately 6,270 lives annually and avoid 15,300 instances of serious illness. Implementing these standards could reduce missed school and work days by 12.7 million.
A recent study found that reducing daily cigarette use led to a significant decrease in opioid dependence, with an 18.8% reduction reported among participants in the PROMPT project.
Research estimates that asthma costs the US economy $81.9 billion per year, with 15.4 million people affected annually. The study also found significant disparities in healthcare costs between insured and uninsured individuals.
New research suggests that varenicline, a commonly prescribed smoking cessation drug, may be associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The study found that patients taking varenicline were 34% more likely to experience a cardiovascular event compared to those who did not take the drug.
New research found that coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma diagnosis, ER visits for asthma, and hospitalizations in children. The study analyzed records of over 7 million children in Medicaid and found a strong association between PM10-2.5 exposure and asthma-related outcomes.
Research found that consuming high amounts of fructose during pregnancy and early childhood increases the risk of developing asthma in mid-childhood. Mothers who drank a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages while pregnant were more likely to have children with asthma.
The American Thoracic Society editorial emphasizes the need for effective tobacco control measures, citing the court-ordered publication of corrective statements by major US tobacco companies. The statements acknowledge the addictive nature of nicotine and the lethal effects of smoking on human health.
The American Thoracic Society and Japanese Respiratory Society have published new clinical practice guidelines for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease affecting women of child-bearing age. The guidelines recommend a diagnostic approach that includes transbronchial lung biopsy before surgical lung biopsy, as well as earl...
Research published in the American Thoracic Society's journal found a correlation between sleep apnea severity and an increase in amyloid deposits in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that treatments for sleep apnea may delay cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.
Researchers found that elevated blood eosinophil and neutrophil concentrations were associated with accelerated lung function decline and airflow obstruction. These biomarkers may serve as an early warning system for 9/11 firefighters at risk of developing severe lung problems.
New research suggests e-cigarettes can lead to lung disease, triggering increased neutrophil activation and altered mucin secretion. The study found similar biomarkers of oxidative stress and activation of innate defense mechanisms associated with lung disease in both e-cigarette and cigarette users.
Patients with OSA improved CPAP use when telemonitored and received individualized, automated messages that reinforced therapy adherence. Telemonitoring increased CPAP use by 36-60 minutes per night.
A multicenter trial found that endobronchial valve treatment improves lung function, reduces shortness of breath and exercise intolerance, and increases quality of life in patients with severe heterogeneous emphysema. The treatment has been shown to be safe and effective for appropriately selected patients.