A study of over 950 children with asthma found that those with well-controlled symptoms were less likely to be bullied, but reported worse control if teased about their condition. Children who experienced bullying/teasing were more likely to report activity restrictions and had poorer asthma control.
A third of first-year university students experience moderate to severe depression or anxiety. Socializing and getting involved in student clubs is associated with a lower risk of developing symptoms and improving recovery rates. In contrast, increasing drug use heightens the risk of mental health issues.
Experts warn that proposed UK law changes could lead to increased financial abuse of older people, particularly those with dementia. Healthcare professionals are called upon to play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals through training and support.
A study found that covid infection risk gradually increases after a second vaccine dose, with protection waning over time. The research suggests that a third (booster) dose might be warranted to prevent breakthrough infections.
A large study found that extremely hot days are associated with a higher risk of emergency department visits for various health conditions. The study suggests that adults of all ages are at increased risk of heat-related health effects, and the risk is more pronounced in certain geographic regions, age groups, and socioeconomic statuses.
Research identifies two distinct microbial signatures in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients, with one showing a significant response to the low FODMAP diet. The study found that patients with the pathogenic-like signature experienced improved symptoms after adopting the diet.
Research found that housework is associated with sharper mental abilities and better physical capacity in older adults, particularly among those who engage in high volumes of light or heavy household chores. Housework intensity was also linked to specific cognitive domains, such as attention and memory scores.
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that colchicine did not reduce the risk of death, ventilatory support need, intensive care admission, or hospital stay among patients with COVID-19. The drug was also associated with a higher risk of side effects, particularly diarrhea.
A plant-based diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables may help alleviate chronic migraine symptoms, according to doctors. The LIFE diet, which includes dark green veggies and limits animal protein, reduced the patient's migraines from 18 days a month to just one day a month.
The global red and processed meat trade has risen exponentially, leading to a sharp increase in diet-related illnesses, particularly bowel cancer, diabetes, and coronary artery heart disease. Health policies should be integrated with agricultural and trade policies to address this issue.
Experts debate whether newborn genome sequencing should be routine, with some arguing it can save lives and be cost-effective. A phased rollout is advocated, with genomic information disclosed sequentially at appropriate ages. The rollout requires data quality improvement and informed consent.
Handwashing, mask wearing, and physical distancing are effective in reducing COVID-19 incidence, with a 53% reduction seen with mask wearing and a 25% reduction with physical distancing. However, more stringent measures like lockdowns need further assessment to weigh their potential negative effects on general populations.
A proposal suggests that wealthier nations should pay a COVID-19 vaccine tax to support COVAX, an international initiative buying and distributing vaccines for the world's poorest. The tax would be proportional to how much they spend on jabs for their own populations.
The UK government is being called on to recognize every miscarriage as a bereavement, rather than an illness, and award statutory bereavement leave. This would provide parents with up to 1 week of paid leave after a miscarriage, regardless of gestation, and address the current arbitrary cliff edge at 24 weeks.
New guidelines recommend using nerve blocks to select patients with chronic neck pain who may benefit from radiofrequency ablation. Only one nerve block is required, rather than two, and patients must experience meaningful pain relief from diagnostic blocks. This approach aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and improve patient outcomes.
A study published in The BMJ found that early post-operative exercise improves shoulder and arm mobility, reduces pain, and increases quality of life for women after non-reconstructive breast cancer surgery. The exercise programme is also cost-effective, with an average saving of £387 per patient.
A study published in The BMJ found that children who had nutrient-enriched formula milk as babies did not have higher exam scores than those fed with standard formula. Researchers linked data from seven randomised controlled trials to school records and found no clear differences in academic performance.
A group of global healthcare and tech companies has pledged to decarbonize the NHS supply chain by 2045, aiming to support the NHS's ambition to become the world's first net zero health service. The International Leadership Group for a Net Zero NHS has urged suppliers to commit to reducing their operations' carbon footprint by 2045.
An 8-country study finds that obesity will contribute 3.6% of a nation's GDP by 2060, with total costs projected to double in Spain and increase 19-fold in India. Reducing obesity prevalence could cut average annual costs by 5-13%.
Studies show that non-invasive breathing support like CPAP and high-flow nasal oxygen do not produce more air/surface viral contamination than simple oxygen therapy. Coughing produces the most aerosol, prompting a call for reevaluation of infection control measures for these respiratory support methods.
COVID passes may help prevent lockdowns, but experts warn of risks including segregation, surveillance, and economic barriers. Some researchers advocate for mandatory covid passes as a 'mechanism to target restrictions' and reduce cases, while others argue they introduce profound risks and can exacerbate existing inequalities.
A study published in The BMJ found that more than 28 million extra years of life were lost worldwide in 2020 compared to expected numbers, with a higher rate of excess premature deaths in men than women. This analysis provides insight into the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations.
A study published by The BMJ found an extensive network of financial and non-financial ties between the medical product industry and all major healthcare parties and activities. Researchers are urging enhanced oversight and transparency to protect patients from commercial influence, citing the need for better conflict of interest polic...
A pooled analysis of 28 clinical trials found that zinc lozenges or nasal sprays prevented 5 respiratory tract infections in 100 people a month. Symptoms cleared up 2 days earlier with the use of zinc supplements, but side effects were more likely.
Deaths from smoking-related cancers in China are projected to rise by nearly 50% over the next two decades, with an estimated 8.6 million excess deaths anticipated. If current trends continue, the goal of reducing smoking rates to 20% by 2030 may not be met, leaving a significant impact on the country's ageing population.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that individuals with clinically significant cataracts have a higher risk of dying from strokes and heart attacks. The study analyzed data from over 14,000 participants and found that the risk of death was 36% higher for those who had undergone cataract surgery.
A study of 750 UK women veterans found that a high proportion had experienced military adversity, including sexual harassment (22.5%), emotional bullying (22.7%), and physical assault (3.3%). These experiences were linked to various mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
A randomised controlled trial found that increasing daily milk, yoghurt, and cheese intake reduced the risk of all fractures by 33%, hip fractures by 46%, and falls by 11% among older adults in residential care. This approach has widespread implications for fracture prevention as a public health measure.
UK military veterans are nearly 11 times more likely to be problem gamblers than non-veterans, leading to higher health and social care costs. The study found that veterans incurred substantially higher healthcare costs, including hospital stays, visits to GPs, and contact with social workers.
A 5-country study found that the US has high salt levels in processed meat and fish products, ranking second globally. China leads with the highest salt content, while the UK ranks last. The study highlights significant variations in salt content among countries and brands.
A woman with non-small cell lung cancer experienced a 76% tumor reduction after taking CBD oil for 2.5 years, raising hopes for alternative cancer treatments. However, more research is needed to confirm the mechanism of action and potential side effects.
Research found that horse riding has a higher risk of serious injury compared to other high-risk activities. The study analyzed data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open journal, revealing that chest injuries were the most common site, but head and neck injuries were the most lethal.
Research published in BMJ Open finds that UK austerity measures since 2010 are linked to tens of thousands more deaths than expected. The study shows that additional spend on social care is more productive in saving lives than healthcare expenditure.
A high intake of alpha linolenic acid (ALA), found in nuts, seeds, and plant oils, is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes and diseases of the heart and blood vessels. However, further studies are needed to confirm the association with cancer mortality.
A comprehensive review of formula milk trials found that only 17% were conducted independently of formula companies, and most had a high risk of bias due to selective reporting. The researchers call for substantial changes in the conduct and reporting of formula trials to protect participants from harm.
New data shows black and Asian doctors are underrepresented in NHS jobs in London, with white applicants receiving 6x more offers. The figures highlight the persistence of discrimination against minority groups in medical recruitment.
Climate anxiety is growing among children and young people, with over half of child psychiatrists in England seeing distressed patients. Experts call on leaders to provide reliable information on climate mitigation and adaptation, and support individuals connect with nature and join like-minded communities.
Health professionals can influence change through simple behavioral choices and introducing climate discussions, while also making healthcare more sustainable. The BMJ calls for both individual action and organizational responsibility to address the climate crisis.
A small study found that a wireless kit, comprising headphones and an app, may be a cheap alternative to traditional treatment of 'glue ear' in kids. The kit enables remote monitoring of hearing at home, reducing clinic visits and potentially avoiding surgery in many cases.
Research published in the journal BMJ Quality & Safety found that six out of ten patients in England with 'red flag' symptoms indicative of possible cancer didn't receive an urgent referral for specialist assessment within two weeks. Nearly four percent of these patients were diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months.
A large UK study found no overall associations between menopausal hormone therapy and risk of dementia, regardless of hormone type or duration. However, oestrogen-progestogen therapy may slightly increase risk in women with Alzheimer's disease, particularly for long-term use.
Lord Simon Woolley argues that UK drug laws are designed to be a tool of systemic racism and fail black communities. He calls for a root-and-branch review of the law to consider alternative approaches, including decriminalization and legal regulation of non-medical drug supplies.
A large UK Biobank study has found that smoking is highly likely to worsen the severity of COVID-19 and increase the risk of dying from the infection. The study combined observational and genetic data to strengthen the evidence base, revealing a causal effect between smoking and COVID-19 severity.
Research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health found that higher combined fruit and veg intake is significantly associated with better mental health in secondary schoolchildren. A nutritious breakfast and lunch are also linked to emotional wellbeing across the age spectrum.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a treatment combining casirivimab and imdevimab for patients with non-severe COVID-19 who are at highest risk of hospitalization. For severely ill patients, the recommendation is based on data showing reduced deaths and need for mechanical ventilation in seronegative patients.
A study published by The BMJ found that giving metformin to women with preterm pre-eclampsia may prolong pregnancy by a week, but the result was not statistically significant. If confirmed by future research, this could have important benefits for both mother and baby.
Regular physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of obesity and heart disease, but paradoxically may hasten the build-up of calcium deposits in coronary arteries. The study found that highly active individuals had higher CAC scores, suggesting a potential link between exercise and calcification.
In the UK, children and young people with cancer often rely on charities to access fertility preservation services due to lack of centralized NHS funding. Researchers found significant regional variation in the availability and length of time these services are funded.
Using surrogate endpoints to measure new drug efficacy can reduce trial costs and complexity but also makes decisions more challenging for patients and clinicians. Experts call for more selective use of surrogate endpoints in chronic diseases with patient-relevant outcomes.
Some women report changes in their periods after COVID-19 vaccination, with over 30,000 reports made to the UK's MHRA surveillance scheme. While most changes are short-lived, research into this possible adverse reaction is critical for the success of the vaccination programme.