Non-obese individuals with asthma may benefit from a healthy diet and regular exercise to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Studies have shown that exercise combined with a low-GI diet can lead to significant improvements in symptom control, with patients reporting a 50% reduction in asthma symptom scores on average.
A new study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can slow the decline in lung function in middle-aged women. Women who took long-term HRT performed better in lung function tests than those who never took HRT, losing an average of 46 ml less of lung volume over 20 years.
Research finds that women with asthma are more likely to receive fertility treatment, suggesting improved asthma control may enhance pregnancy. The study's findings do not prove a causal link but encourage future investigations into the relationship between asthma and fertility.
Researchers found that maternal e-cigarette vaping increases the risk and severity of allergic asthma in offspring, with detrimental effects partially mediated through mitochondrial function. The study highlights the need for caution when considering e-cigarettes as a safe alternative to cigarette smoking during pregnancy.
Nurses who regularly clean surfaces with disinfectants face a 22-32% increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exposure to specific chemicals like glutaraldehyde, bleach, and quaternary ammonium compounds also increases COPD risk.
New studies reveal that e-cigarette refills contain respiratory irritants and increase symptoms in smokers. E-cigarette use is most common among smokers, with dual users experiencing the worst respiratory symptoms.
A study of 1.5 million children found that those with asthma were 1.6 times more likely to be prescribed antibiotics than those without asthma. This could be due to mistaken asthma symptoms for a bacterial infection or preventative use, despite guidelines against it.
New research shows that e-cigarettes with nicotine cause a significant increase in arterial stiffness, blood pressure, and heart rate in humans. This study highlights the potential dangers of e-cigarettes and emphasizes the need for caution and further investigation into their long-term effects.
New research links respiratory tract infections in young children to an increased risk of asthma and worse lung function in later life. Children who had lower respiratory tract infections between 6 months and 5 years old had a two- to four-fold increased risk of developing asthma.
A new study found that more than 1 in 4 European workers are exposed to secondhand smoke at work, with indoor workplaces seeing an increase in cases. The research, which surveyed over 55,000 people across the EU, highlights the need for stronger enforcement of existing smoke-free laws.
Research suggests that children with asthma who live closer to parks experience fewer days of symptoms, especially older children who can independently visit parks. The study found a correlation between proximity to green spaces and lower asthma symptom rates.
A new European Respiratory Society roadmap identifies key areas for investment to address the impact of asthma on individuals, healthcare systems, and economies. The document outlines 15 research priorities to improve mortality and morbidity rates, including primary care, triggers, personalised medicine, and self-management.
A new study suggests that severe acute malnutrition in early childhood may prioritize lung development over other less vital growth, resulting in shorter leg lengths and a higher risk of being severely short for their age. The findings have significant implications for the long-term health of children affected by malnutrition.
A new study found that stem cell therapy reduces lung inflammation in a mouse model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis. The treatment also improves lung structure, suggesting it may repair damaged lungs.
The new guidelines cover antibiotic and corticosteroid therapy for outpatients with mild and moderate exacerbations. The recommendations also include starting pulmonary rehabilitation 3 weeks after discharge from hospital following a severe exacerbation.
A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that people experiencing insomnia symptoms have a higher risk of developing asthma. Participants who reported difficulty falling asleep or waking up early had a significantly increased risk of developing asthma over an 11-year period.
A simulation study found that patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at a higher risk of being involved in traffic accidents. The study used standard deviation of lane position (SDLP) in a driving simulator to identify potential risk and create a model for use in future cases.
A study published in the European Respiratory Society found that adults hospitalized during school holidays are 38% more likely to develop pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia. The increased risk may be attributed to changes in child contact patterns and transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Research reveals that early exposure to antibiotics is associated with a higher risk of developing eczema and hay fever. The study found that the use of antibiotics in early childhood can lead to a stronger immune response, disrupting the balance of gut microbiome.
A new Cochrane Review found that taking an oral vitamin D supplement can reduce severe asthma attacks requiring hospital admission or emergency department attendance. The review of seven trials involving 435 children and 658 adults with mild to moderate asthma showed a significant reduction in risk, with no increase in side effects.
Research suggests that antenatal factors contribute to life-long respiratory wellbeing of children, with larger fetuses having a reduced risk for asthma and better lung function. The study found an association between reduced fetal size and increased asthma risk, as well as reduced lung function in children aged 5-15 years.
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who engage in high levels of physical activity are less likely to develop anxiety or depression, with a 15% reduced risk. Mental disorders are common in COPD patients, affecting approximately 40% of the population.
A small study found that smoking decreases dietary intake by reducing ghrelin levels, a hunger hormone. This effect can help explain why current smokers are less likely to be obese than non-smokers.
Overweight women and underweight boys are at higher risk of asthma hospital admissions in early adulthood. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 schoolchildren and found a significant link between childhood BMI and adult asthma admissions.
A new study explores the potential use of artificial intelligence to analyze complete lung function tests and improve diagnosis accuracy. The algorithm simulates complex reasoning to provide a standardized and objective diagnosis, removing bias.
A new study found that breastfeeding can decrease respiratory symptoms in infants with asthma-related genetic profiles by 27%. The study, which included 368 infants from Switzerland, sheds light on how gene-environment interaction can be modified by breastfeeding.
A new study establishes a link between long-term cement dust exposure and decline in lung volumes. The research found that workers exposed to higher levels of dust experienced significant decreases in lung function over time.
A new study reveals that despite the availability of lung cancer tests and treatment to 70% of the world's population, large discrepancies exist in patient access. The study found that many poorer countries lack access to essential tests and treatments due to high costs and low HDI scores.
Experts from the European Respiratory Society call for improved TB care for refugees to control and eliminate the disease. They emphasize the need for quality surveillance, monitoring, evaluation, and research among this group of people to prevent a rise in new cases.
A new study found that moderate to vigorous physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after hospitalization. Patients who were active had a 47% lower risk of death compared to inactive patients.
A new digital 'map' detailing different mechanisms contributing to asthma development could help researchers redefine the disease. The AsthmaMap allows personalized treatment by targeting specific asthma subgroups.
Researchers analyzed health records of 1,621 COPD patients and found cardio selective beta-blockers reduced exacerbation risk by 21% for all patients and 55% for those with heart failure. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of beta blockers for patients living with both lung and heart disease.
Women with asthma experienced a significantly longer median total time to pregnancy (32.2 months vs 55.6 months) compared to those without asthma. Additionally, the birth rate was lower among asthmatic women, with fewer successful conceptions (39.6% vs 60.4%).
Babies born to mothers exposed to air pollution from traffic sources during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing asthma before the age of 5 years. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, two markers of traffic-related air pollution, was found to increase this risk.
A new perspective article suggests a shift towards precision medicine, identifying 'treatable traits' in each patient to tailor management. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by recognizing the clinical and biological complexity of airway diseases.
The European Respiratory Society and ESCMID have published the world's first clinical guidelines for chronic fungal lung infections, describing key features of the disease and providing comprehensive treatment recommendations. Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis affects an estimated 240,000 people in Europe and 3 million worldwide.
The first international patient registry for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has been launched, aiming to collect data on the disease's effects, treatment options and progression. The registry will help advance understanding of PCD, improve diagnosis and treatment, and facilitate access to clinical trials.
A new study suggests that antibiotic use during the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of childhood wheeze. However, when confounding factors such as maternal infections and respiratory conditions are accounted for, the link between antibiotic use and childhood wheeze becomes less clear.
A new study found that grandmothers who smoked during pregnancy significantly increase the risk of asthma in their grandchildren. The research used data from the Swedish Registry and included over 44,000 grandmothers from 1982 to 1986. Asthma risk was increased by 10-22%.
Researchers found that lung transplant patients living on or near busy roads with high levels of air pollution are more likely to die or experience chronic organ rejection compared to those in less polluted areas. Taking macrolides, a class of antibiotics, may protect against the devastating effects of air pollution.
Researchers have defined three distinct types of severe asthma using biological data, enabling the development of tailored drugs and improved treatment. The study's findings aim to provide personalized medicine for severe asthma sufferers.
A novel approach for identifying patients with undiagnosed clinically-significant COPD has been developed. The new tool consists of several questions that can be used to aid clinicians in finding people with moderate or severe COPD, or those at risk of exacerbations before loss of lung function occurs.
HIV-infected patients are excluded from early-phase clinical trials of new anti-tuberculosis drugs, resulting in slower development and potential drug interactions with antiretroviral therapy. Experts urge including HIV patients in relevant trials to accelerate development and address drug resistance.
Researchers found a link between metalworking fluid exposure and lymphocytic bronchiolitis, a condition causing immune cell overgrowth in the lungs, leading to irreversible damage. The study suggests that workers with higher exposure levels reported more symptoms despite similar lung function.
Researchers warn of the dangers of talc exposure in the food processing industry, highlighting a case of talcosis in workers who inhaled talcum dust. The study led to effective control measures being implemented at the company, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive surveillance programmes and structured medical evaluation.
Researchers identified distinct characteristics among non-smoking patients with NSCLC, such as lower chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart disease rates. Non-smokers also exhibited longer survival periods after diagnosis compared to smokers.
Researchers found that infants infected with rhinovirus had lower respiratory microbiota diversity, while asymptomatic infections did not. Frequent early-life viral infections were also associated with reduced overall microbiota diversity.
A study by Mrs Lee Koh found that walking on side-street routes instead of main roads can reduce peaks in harmful air pollution. By avoiding busy streets, individuals can minimize their short-term and long-term exposure to black carbon particulate matter, a major component of urban air pollution.
Patients with recurrent lung cancer who undergo a CT-based follow-up program after surgery experience significantly improved post-surgery survival rates. The study analyzed 391 patients and found that the number of patients alive four years after surgery increased from 54% to an estimated 68%.
A major European study has identified key characteristics of severe asthma, which will help develop new treatments. Patients with severe asthma experience daily symptoms despite high doses of treatment and are more likely to be hospitalized.