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Cognitive and physical limitations affect inhaler use in COPD

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that nearly one-third of COPD patients demonstrate unacceptable inhaler technique, leading to smaller lung function improvements. Instructing patients to hold their breath for 5-10 seconds improves acute bronchodilation.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJul 9, 2026

Prone positioning in infants with acute bronchiolitis

A recent study published in JAMA found that prone positioning in infants with moderate to severe bronchiolitis receiving high-flow nasal cannula support did not significantly reduce escalation of care. The study suggests that further research is warranted due to the wide confidence interval around the observed odds ratio.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 17, 2026

Eating legumes, soy products may help improve COPD symptoms

A recent study found that people with higher isoflavone consumption experienced fewer breathing-related symptoms and improved lung health. Isoflavones, commonly found in legumes and soy-based foods, may play a key role in reducing COPD symptoms.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2026

People with COPD commonly misuse medications

New studies reveal that medication nonadherence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by affordability and limited understanding of medications. This can lead to quicker lung function decline, more frequent exacerbations, and a higher symptom burden.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 4, 2026

Inhaled microplastics and lung health

New research suggests that inhaled microplastics can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. Microplastics can also trigger inflammatory responses and deliver toxins directly into the lungs, highlighting a growing concern for lung health.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalFood Bioscience·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 16, 2026

Hypnosis can make ventilation masks more acceptable to patients with breathing problems

A pilot study found that hypnosis significantly improved patients' tolerance of masks, allowing them to breathe more comfortably. The study showed a substantial improvement in non-invasive ventilation (NIV) tolerance, reduced agitation, and lower requirements for sedation and anti-anxiety medication.

SourceEuropean Society for Emergency Medicine (EUSEM)·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 28, 2025

COPD care pathway leads to shorter hospital stays, more referrals to pulmonary rehab

A new study shows that implementing a COPD care pathway can lead to shorter hospital stays, more referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, and improved standardization of care. The study found that patients treated with the pathway had better outcomes, including being discharged home rather than to a facility.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 28, 2025

People with schizophrenia have higher risk of COPD

People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to shared genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The lack of adequate medical care also contributes to the under-diagnosis of COPD in this population.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 26, 2025

COPD prevalence, disease burden varies significantly by state

A new study found significant variation in COPD prevalence and burden across states and insurance types, with West Virginia topping the list at 143 cases per 1,000 insured individuals and Utah ranking last at 44. The study also revealed high mortality rates among people with COPD in several states.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJun 24, 2025

Blood eosinophil count is associated with pseudomonas aeruginosa infection but not the efficacy of inhaled tobramycin (Eur Respir J)

A study found that elevated blood eosinophil counts correlate with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in bronchiectasis patients. Inhaled tobramycin reduced symptom burdens and bacterial load without affecting BEC levels, suggesting a targeted therapeutic approach

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 19, 2025

Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs are safe, effective for people with COPD

A new report published in the COPD Foundation's journal found virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to be a safe and effective alternative for people with COPD who require supplemental oxygen. The program improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for participants, demonstrating its potential to increase access to care.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMay 1, 2025

New drug shows promise for treating bronchiectasis

A new global clinical trial has demonstrated the benefits of an investigational medication called brensocatib, a DPP-1 inhibitor, in improving bronchiectasis patients' quality of life. The study showed that nearly half of patients remained exacerbation-free one year later and experienced significant improvements in lung function.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 30, 2025

Feeling stressed may lead to worsened respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life

A new study found that increased perceived stress can lead to worsened respiratory symptoms and decreased quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study also examined the association between stress and platelet activation, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025

People with COPD and arthritis have an increased risk of death

A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 11, 2025

Lack of appropriate mental health care impacts quality of life for people with COPD

A new study highlights the importance of diagnosing depression and anxiety in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to address gaps in care. The study found that fewer than half of those meeting the criteria for a depression or anxiety diagnosis were receiving mental health counseling or using antidepressants.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 6, 2025

Expanded research on COPD and metabolic syndrome would advance patient-centered care

Additional research is required to explore the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome, focusing on outcomes, intervention trials, and health services research. This will help shift from a COPD-focused approach to an integrated care approach considering all comorbidities.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 9, 2025

Childhood smoking increases a person’s risk of developing COPD

A recent study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation found that childhood smoking before age 15 significantly increases a person's risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life. The research examined a nationally representative sample of adults and accounted for secondhand smoke exposure, highl...

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJan 7, 2025

Diagnosing respiratory infections with breath

A proof-of-concept study introduces a medical device that measures protease activity in human breath to diagnose lower respiratory tract infections. The system showed elevated levels of human neutrophil elastase in patients with confirmed lower respiratory tract infections, suggesting its potential for rapid and non-invasive diagnosis.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 24, 2024

Air pollution exposure during childhood linked directly to adult bronchitis symptoms in new research

A new study reveals a direct connection between childhood air pollution exposure and adult bronchitis symptoms, suggesting that subtle effects on the respiratory system can persist into adulthood. The research, based on the USC Children's Health Study, found that even when adjusting for asthma or bronchitis symptoms in childhood, expos...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

Beetroot juice supplement lowers blood pressure and improves exercise capacity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A 12-week beetroot juice supplement reduced systolic blood pressure by 4.5mmHg and increased walking distance by 30 meters in COPD patients. The nitrate-rich supplement improved cardiovascular risk markers, suggesting potential benefits for everyday life and heart disease prevention.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2023

Salton Sea environment detrimental to respiratory health of local children

A UC Riverside-led study reveals the Salton Sea environment is toxic, causing sulfuric smells, dust storms, chemicals, and fires that contribute to chronic health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. The study's findings have important public health implications for vulnerable child populations.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2023

Smart necklace to help you stop smoking

A smart necklace called SmokeMon tracks a user's every puff and provides valuable insights into their smoking behavior. By analyzing heat signatures, the device can detect when a cigarette is being lit, how much smoke is inhaled, and when the person holds it to their mouth, helping to prevent relapse and improve quit rates.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·DateFeb 13, 2023

Key mechanisms of airway relaxation in asthma revealed in new study

A new study identifies nitric oxide as a key molecule in the β2-adrenergic receptor feedback loop, mediating airway relaxation. The research team discovered that preventing nitric oxide's feedback mechanism leads to a powerful airway relaxant. Mice with a specific mutation in the β2 AR gene are resistant to bronchoconstriction and asthma.

Children who had bronchitis linked to adult lung problem

Research from the University of Melbourne found that children who had bronchitis at least once before age seven were more likely to develop lung diseases like asthma and pneumonia in later life. The study followed 8,583 people for 46 years, establishing a long-term link between childhood bronchitis and adult lung health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 21, 2022