Researchers identified four cases of newborn babies with COVID-19 infection in China, showing only mild symptoms. The study's findings highlight the importance of protecting pregnant women and newborns against COVID-19 infection.
A study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people with COPD and smokers have higher levels of ACE-2, a molecule that allows coronavirus to infect lung cells. Former smokers had similar levels of ACE-2 as non-smokers, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking to protect against COVID-19.
Research finds that high levels of iron build-up in lung cells worsen asthma symptoms and lower lung function. The study suggests a link between iron absorption, immune system responses, and asthma severity.
A rare form of lung scarring, typically found in metal workers, has been linked to vaping. The condition can cause breathing difficulties and chronic coughing due to damage to lung cells and the formation of 'giant' cells.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that women with severe asthma symptoms during pregnancy are at higher risk of pre-eclampsia, high blood pressure, and low birth weight. Babies born to these mothers are also more likely to have respiratory issues and congenital abnormalities.
Global COPD death rates declined between 1995 and 2017, but the total number of deaths increased as aging populations contributed to rising mortality. Measures to reduce exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco control policies, have had a positive effect on reducing overall COPD death rates.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal has provided evidence that fatty tissue builds up in the airway walls of individuals who are overweight or obese. This accumulation alters the normal structure of the airways and leads to inflammation in the lungs, which may contribute to increased asthma symptoms.
Research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop poor respiratory health based on lung function tests. PCOS is believed to affect almost one in six women and often runs in families, while also increasing the risk of diabetes, which has been linked to lower lung function.
Research has linked exposure to BPA in the womb to increased risk of wheezing and poorer lung function in children. The study found that pregnant women with higher BPA levels were more likely to have children who suffered from wheezing, and a doubling of BPA corresponded with a significant decrease in lung capacity.
A study found that nearly a third of patients with severe asthma are taking harmful doses of oral steroids. Improving adherence to inhaled therapies and inhaler technique can help avoid this. However, only half of eligible patients receive biologic asthma drugs, which could reduce exposure to harmful oral steroids.
A six-month low-dose azithromycin treatment significantly reduced symptoms and infection episodes in PCD patients, with a 50% reduction in serious episode episodes. However, mild diarrhoea was more common in treated patients.
Researchers identified specific microRNAs that predict pneumonia complications, enabling early detection and intervention. The study found correlations between microRNA profiles and sepsis and respiratory failure in pneumonia patients.
Researchers found that infants with stable, large bacterial clusters had improved respiratory health. The study's findings suggest that early-life interventions could prevent respiratory infections by shaping microbial communities across the body.
A smart shirt has proven to be accurate in measuring breathing, with results similar to traditional equipment, according to European Respiratory Society research. The Hexoskin senses chest movements and records air volume, heart rate, and movement, making it a practical alternative for monitoring lung function.
A survey of 905 Italian truck drivers found that nearly half suffer from at least one sleep-related breathing problem, with a significant risk of OSA due to lifestyle factors such as poor diet and physical inactivity. The study highlights the importance of compulsory testing for sleep-related breathing problems among haulage companies.
Professional drivers, including taxi drivers, experience high levels of black carbon exposure while working in congested cities. Research found that taxi drivers are exposed to an average of 6.5 micrograms of black carbon per cubic meter of air, compared to office workers at home who experience similar levels.
A study of nearly eight million live births found that air pollutants like particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide are associated with a 20-50% increased risk of death in babies. Exposure to these pollutants also reduces lung function in children as early as the first trimester of pregnancy.
A massive study of over 300,000 people found that air pollution significantly reduces lung function and increases the risk of developing COPD. Exposure to high levels of particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was linked to lung aging equivalent to two years of aging.
A new study has found that exposure to diesel pollutants can cause subtle changes in the lungs, making people more prone to developing chronic lung disease. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, found that breathing in black carbon from polluted air was associated with an increased volume of peripheral blood vess...
A study of over 19,000 people found that women with obstructive sleep apnea are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men. The research, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that women with severe OSA and low blood oxygen levels during sleep may be at greater risk of developing cancer.
A new study has found that cystic fibrosis patients who have a common virus may experience faster disease progression. Cytomegalovirus infection was the most important factor linked to disease progression, with patients having the virus referred for lung transplants at a much younger age and dying ten years earlier on average.
A study of nearly 500,000 women found that taking paracetamol or other painkillers during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in children, but the risk is similar when other types of painkillers are used. The research suggests that another factor linked to painkiller use and asthma risk may be chronic pain and stress.
A study of university rugby players found that 43% experienced sleep disordered breathing, linked to higher heart rates and lower oxygen levels. This raises concerns about the potential role of SDB in cardiovascular complications among young athletes.
A new study published in ERJ Open Research directly compares new heated tobacco devices with vaping and traditional cigarettes, showing that all three are toxic to human lung cells. The study's findings suggest that these newer electronic nicotine delivery devices may not be a safer substitute for cigarette smoking.
Researchers discovered that babies with a diverse range of nasal bacteria tend to recover faster from their first respiratory virus. Conversely, those dominated by certain bacterial families are more likely to experience prolonged symptoms.
A study published in ERJ Open Research found that adolescents who see e-cigarette adverts are more likely to use both e-cigarettes and smoke tobacco cigarettes. The researchers used a large sample of German school pupils to investigate the impact of advertising on young people's behavior.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered by respiratory nurses reduced anxiety symptoms in COPD patients, leading to fewer hospital visits. The study found that CBT was more effective than leaflets alone in reducing anxiety and improving quality of life.
A study found that pneumococcus bacteria can spread at the same rate whether it is dry or wet, and when a person picks or pokes their nose as when they rub their nose. Ensuring good hand hygiene and keeping toys clean could help protect young children from catching and spreading the bacteria.
A new study found that children who have access to green spaces near their homes are less likely to experience respiratory problems as adults. The research, conducted by RHINESSA, analyzed data from over 5,400 participants and found a significant association between exposure to greenness and reduced respiratory symptoms.
New research reveals that AI can accurately interpret respiratory symptoms and diagnose lung diseases, surpassing human specialist results. The study trained an AI algorithm using high-quality data and found it to be more consistent and accurate than doctors in interpreting test results and suggesting diagnoses.
Research finds higher levels of organochlorine compounds during pregnancy associated with reduced lung function in children. The study suggests that even low exposure can have an impact on lung development and health.
A clinical trial has shown that targeted lung denervation (TLD) reduces chronic respiratory symptoms, exacerbations, and hospitalizations in COPD patients. The procedure involves delivering radiofrequency energy to the nerves on the outside of the airways, causing them to relax and widen.
New research finds tiny particles of carbon in placentas, suggesting air pollution can affect foetal development. The study reveals that sooty particles from the mother's lungs can reach the placenta via the bloodstream.
A new test for viral infections can reduce hospital admissions by up to 25% and unnecessary antibiotics by 50%, according to new research. The quick and easy test, launched at a UK hospital in 2018, uses point-of-care respiratory viral testing (POCT) technology.
A study found that paracetamol use in infancy may increase the risk of asthma in adolescents, particularly those with certain genetic variations of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes. Children who took paracetamol more frequently had a higher risk of developing asthma, especially if they carried the GSTP1 Ile/Ile variant.
Children with childhood asthma are at a disadvantage in education, leaving them more likely to drop out of university and struggle to enter non-manual occupations.
A new study has found that people with asthma are more likely to become obese, especially if their asthma begins in adulthood or if they have non-allergic asthma. The research, which followed over 8,600 participants for two decades, suggests the relationship between asthma and obesity is more complex than previously thought.
Very premature babies are more likely to harbor Ureaplasma bacteria, which can cause respiratory infections and lead to long-term breathing problems. A new study suggests that antibiotics may be effective in treating these infections and improving outcomes.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that healthy diets with high consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain cereals are characterised by better asthma outcomes. Men who ate healthier diets had a 30% lower chance of experiencing asthma symptoms.
A recent study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that obstructive sleep apnea is associated with changes to brain structure similar to those seen in early-stage dementia. The study suggests that screening for OSA and treating it could help prevent dementia in older adults.
A global coalition of respiratory doctors and scientists warns of the dangers of e-cigarettes to children and adolescents, citing growing evidence of their addictive nature. The authors call for an immediate ban on flavourings and marketing e-cigarettes as lower-risk alternatives to minors.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that long-term exposure to high levels of road traffic and ozone significantly increases the risk of asthma symptoms and medication use. The study also identified a biological marker, 8-isoprostane, which is exhaled in the breath and linked to tissue damage in the lungs.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people who have had flu or pneumonia are six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the days following infection. The study highlights the importance of vaccination against these two infections in preventing cardiovascular complications.
A total of 1.8 million young people between ten and 24 years old are estimated to develop tuberculosis (TB) annually, with 20-24-year-olds at the greatest risk. Young adults with TB may face disruptions in education, employment, or family responsibilities due to their illness.
Women with asthma who use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than those without asthma, but using long-acting asthma preventers has no impact on fertility. The study of over 5,000 women in Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland shows a significant difference between short-acting and long-acting treatments.
Research suggests that e-cigarette vapour can increase susceptibility to lung infection with pneumococcal bacteria, similar to traditional cigarette smoke or particulate matter from fossil-fuel pollution. Long-term vaping may raise the risk of bacterial lung infection.
A large study found that fitter children have better lung function as young adults and a reduced risk of developing chronic lung diseases. The study suggests that improving childhood fitness could help protect against lung disease in adulthood.
A large study found that testing for fever, high pulse rate, crackly breath sounds, and low oxygen levels could help distinguish pneumonia from less serious infections. The researchers suggest using these four measures to identify patients who need treatment with antibiotics, while reducing unnecessary prescriptions.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that children under two years are more likely to be admitted to hospital with influenza if they have an older sibling. Vaccination can help reduce this risk.
A large study found that steroid inhalers used to treat asthma and COPD in people over 66 increase the risk of nontuberculous mycobacteria infections. The study suggests that these infections are chronic, difficult to treat, and associated with an increased risk of death.