A large study found that regular aspirin use was associated with a slower progression of percent emphysema on CT scans over 10 years. Even after adjusting for confounding factors, participants who used aspirin regularly had a significantly slower rate of progression compared to those who did not.
A new study reveals that e-cigarettes' mechanical and chemical properties influence the production of toxic substances, including acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde. The findings suggest that standardizing these devices is crucial to understanding their health effects.
A study of 30 healthy adult nonsmokers found that a single exposure to e-cigarette vapor diminished cough reflex sensitivity. However, sensitivity returned to baseline levels 24 hours after exposure. This effect suggests potential risks for chronic e-cigarette use on respiratory health.
A retrospective study found that Caucasian and Hispanic children who undergo lung transplantation are at greater risk for developing chronic kidney disease. The study also identified high tacrolimus levels and acute kidney injury as risk factors for CKD in pediatric lung transplant patients.
Researchers found that certain electronic cigarette flavors can alter important cellular functions in lung tissue, including changes in cell viability, proliferation, and calcium signaling. Flavors such as Hot Cinnamon Candies, Banana Pudding (Southern Style), and Menthol Tobacco were shown to be toxic to cells at higher doses.
A recent study has found that shorter adults have a higher risk of dying while waiting for a lung transplant and are more likely to be placed on mechanical ventilation. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 adults initially listed for lung transplantation in the US between 2010 and 2011.
A new study found that nearly 22% of children with asthma also demonstrate a sensitivity to peanuts, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The study suggests that peanut sensitivity screening may be beneficial for these children, especially when controlling wheezing and coughing is difficult.
A meta-analysis of e-cigarette studies found that while they significantly improve abstinence rates at 1 month compared to placebo, this effect is not sustained over longer periods. The device is associated with frequent short-term respiratory adverse events and may pose a higher risk of serious adverse events than nicotine patches.
A recent ATS membership survey found that 89% of respondents believe climate change is happening, while 68% attribute its causes to human activity. The survey also reported adverse health effects such as worsening asthma and increased cases of acute and chronic lung conditions due to climate change.
A bottlenose dolphin with breathing difficulties underwent pioneering therapeutic bronchoscopy, marking the first time such a procedure was performed on a marine mammal. The dolphin's respiratory cycle improved significantly after the treatment, and she returned to her normal behavior.
A new study found that caffeine therapy for apnea of prematurity does not have long-term harmful effects on sleep or control of breathing in children. The study, which assessed 201 preterm children at ages 5-12, showed no evidence of long-term detrimental effects of caffeine treatment on sleep duration or sleep apnea during childhood.
A large pooled analysis of seven studies involving over 25,000 individuals found associations between lung cancer and chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia. Patients with co-occurring chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia had a higher risk of lung cancer.
A study of 50 returning veterans found that non-specific respiratory symptoms were common, with evidence of airway hyperreactivity in 36% of patients. Underlying mental health and sleep disorders were present in 66% of the patients. Airway hyperreactivity was seen in both asthma and nonspecific cases.
A large Canadian study of over 8,500 patients found a significant link between obstructive sleep apnea and the development of diabetes. The study confirmed earlier evidence and identified that initial severity of OSA predicted subsequent risk for incident diabetes.
A new study found that eating fish, fruit, and dairy products can improve lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study analyzed data from over 2,167 participants and showed that those who consumed these foods had better lung function, less emphysema, and improved quality of life.
A new study found that reminders and feedback significantly improve medication adherence among asthma patients, leading to better asthma control. The study used an electronic inhaler monitor to track patient behavior and compared the effects of two interventions: daily reminders and personalized discussions with doctors.
A retrospective study found evidence of small airway obstruction and other pulmonary abnormalities in many deployed veterans. Rates of restrictive lung physiology were 2-5 times greater than a reference group, while non-reversible airway obstruction was significantly lower.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that elevated blood eosinophil levels are a risk factor for asthma exacerbations in adults. The study analyzed data from over 2,300 patients and found that higher baseline eosinophil levels were associated with an increased risk of future exacerbations.
A large study found that sleep apnea is independently associated with high and low frequency hearing impairment. The study analyzed data from nearly 14,000 individuals and found that sleep apnea was linked to a 31% increase in high frequency hearing impairment and a 90% increase in low frequency hearing impairment.
A study found that tobacco exposure and male sex are significant risk factors for developing ocular sarcoidosis, which affects 25-50% of patients with the disease. The risk is greater than 5-fold for those exposed to tobacco and more than 7-fold for males.
Researchers re-examined data from the Sleep Heart Health Study and found a significant association between OSA and ischemic stroke, with equal risk among men and women. The study suggests that women are equally susceptible to the vascular effects of OSA.
A study of over 1,100 patients with severe PH found that higher BMI was associated with lower one-year mortality rates, even after adjusting for other factors. The researchers suggest that increased levels of serum lipoproteins in obese individuals may play a role in neutralizing circulating toxins and inflammatory proteins.
A study of over 1,000 mother-child pairs found that maternal intake of folate and other methyl donors during the first trimester was associated with a lower risk of childhood asthma. Only dietary vitamin B12 and choline were linked to reduced asthma prevalence.
A new study suggests that olive oil supplements can counteract the negative cardiovascular effects of exposure to air pollution particles. The study found that olive oil supplementation improved endothelial function and reduced blood markers associated with vasoconstriction after exposure to fine/ultrafine particulate matter.
A new study found that an internet-mediated exercise program supported by online resources improved health-related quality of life and daily step count in COPD patients. The pedometer-based walking program led to a significant improvement in symptoms and impacts, with participants taking 779 more steps per day at 4 months.
A new study of nearly 12,000 individuals found that those with dyspnea at baseline had a greater risk of dying, even after adjusting for other risk factors. Dyspnea was associated with a significant increased risk of death in rural Bangladesh, and identifying underlying causes may offer an opportunity to reduce mortality risk.
A systematic review of 28 studies involving over 3,400 adult ICU survivors found that one quarter exhibited PTSD symptoms. Risk factors included younger age, benzodiazepine use, and frightening ICU experiences. PTSD symptoms were associated with worse health-related quality of life.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that patients with pulmonary hypertension from lower socioeconomic groups are diagnosed with more advanced disease states than those from higher income groups. This disparity may result in poorer health outcomes for these patients. The study suggests that limited access to health...
A randomized study found that home testing of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) followed by initiation of CPAP therapy reduced costs compared to in-lab testing, without compromising clinical outcomes. The study showed significant cost savings of $564 over 2.75 years, making home management a viable option.
A study found that public reporting of ICU mortality rates in California did not reduce overall mortality, but resulted in changes in admission patterns and transfers to other hospitals. The study suggests that the policy initiative may have unintended consequences, including reduced admission of patients with severe comorbidities.
A novel guanylate cyclase stimulator improved exercise capacity and hemodynamics in patients with inoperable or recurrent CTEPH, closing a therapeutic gap. The drug was well-tolerated and showed significant improvements in six-minute walking distance.
A study found that exposure to particulate air pollution during the second trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of developing asthma in early childhood, particularly among non-obese mothers. The research suggests that timing of exposure may be crucial in understanding this relationship.
A new study from Johns Hopkins University found that warmer indoor temperatures are linked to increased COPD symptoms, rescue medication use, and decreased lung function in patients. The research also suggests that even short periods of outdoor exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate the condition.
Researchers found that patients with low pulmonary vascular resistance who underwent pulmonary thromboendarterectomy had lower mortality rates and fewer complications compared to those with high pulmonary vascular resistance. Additionally, these patients experienced shorter hospital stays and improved recoveries.
A study found that COPD patients have a significantly higher risk of heart failure compared to the general population, with African-American patients facing the highest risk. The study also revealed disparities in treatment and outcomes for patients with both conditions.
A study published in the American Thoracic Society found that sepsis is responsible for up to 52% of all hospital deaths in the US. The research analyzed 6.5 million hospital discharge records and estimated that sepsis patients had a mortality rate of 10.4%, compared to 1.1% for non-sepsis patients.
A study found clinically important sleep apnea is common among survivors of acute respiratory failure, with 93% meeting criteria for sleep-disordered breathing. Evaluating and treating sleep apnea may significantly impact the health and well-being of these patients, particularly those taking central-acting medications.
A laboratory study found that e-cigarette vapor increases the virulence of drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA, making them more resistant to human cells and antibiotics. However, e-cigarettes also decrease the ability of human epithelial cells to kill these bacteria.
A new study suggests that a simple urine test can detect blood clots in patients at risk, offering advantages over existing screening methods. The test evaluates fibrinopeptide B levels in urine, which are released when a thrombosis forms and then cleared by the body.
The American Thoracic Society has developed guidelines to identify and manage patients with sickle cell disease who are at increased risk of mortality from pulmonary hypertension. Guidelines recommend treatment with hydroxyurea, chronic transfusion therapy, or indefinite anticoagulant therapy in patients with confirmed pulmonary hypert...
Research associates high traffic-related air pollution exposure with increased right ventricular mass and volume, linking it to a higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. The study found that participants exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide had greater right ventricular changes.
The lung microbiome is a new frontier in pulmonary medicine, with research exploring the role of microorganisms in health and disease. The emerging field is leading to new ways of thinking about the lung and its diseases.
A new UK study found that continued statin use may help prevent delirium in critically ill patients who received statins before hospital admission. The study used a validated delirium screening tool and showed a significant lower risk of delirium associated with statin administration.
The American Thoracic Society Foundation and the American Lung Association are co-funding an $80,000 grant to study Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, a rare inherited disease affecting the lungs. The research aims to understand HPS pulmonary fibrosis and explore potential treatments for common lung diseases like cystic fibrosis.
A new study reveals an independent association between sleep apnea severity and increased high sensitivity troponin T levels, a marker of early myocardial injury. Higher levels were associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and heart failure.
The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society have released a policy statement aiming to reduce health disparities in respiratory health. The statement emphasizes the disproportionate impact of respiratory diseases on socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, particularly children.
The American Thoracic Society has released new clinical practice guidelines for the classification, evaluation, and management of chILD in infants. The guidelines include recommendations for diagnosis, management, and research priorities.
Researchers found that COPD increases the risk of developing cerebral microbleeds in deep or infratentorial brain regions. The study also showed that COPD is associated with both large and small vessel disease, indicating a potential impact on overall vascular health.
The American Thoracic Society has released a statement on adult and pediatric controlled organ donation after circulatory determination of death (DCDD), aiming to guide stakeholders involved in the process. The statement emphasizes respect for dying patients and their families, while promoting the recovery of viable organs.
The American Thoracic Society has released new clinical practice guidelines on sleep apnea, sleepiness, and driving risk for non-commercial drivers. The guidelines recommend assessing daytime sleepiness and recent crashes or near-misses due to sleepiness, fatigue, or inattention.