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Even short-term rises in air pollution are linked to more asthma emergency visits in Singapore

A nationwide study in Singapore found that short-term increases in fine-particle air pollution are associated with more asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-related emergency department visits. The study analyzed 6.5 years of national air quality data and found a clear relationship between PM2.5 levels and admissions.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2026

Overuse of inhalers found to increase heart attack risk in asthma and COPD patients

A study found that overuse of reliever inhalers increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart attack, and ischemic stroke, in asthma and COPD patients. Using three or more inhalers per year is associated with increased risk of death, particularly in patients without a prior history of cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2026

Emergency diagnoses linked to poorer outcomes across wide range of conditions

A large population-based study found that emergency diagnoses are common across multiple conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and coronary heart disease, and are consistently associated with worse outcomes. The study suggests that emergency diagnosis is a common phenomenon across diverse diseases and is linked to higher mortality ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

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

Inhaled vitamin D has potential to improve lung function

Research suggests that inhaled vitamin D can protect against dust, pollution, and pathogens in the lungs, potentially improving outcomes for those with chronic lung disease. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore the therapeutic benefits of direct lung delivery.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 25, 2026

People lack critical information about wildfire smoke risks

A new study reveals gaps in wildfire smoke education among people living with COPD. Researchers found that many individuals rely on smartphone apps and online information for air quality updates, but lack knowledge on mitigation strategies and real-time guidance from healthcare teams.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJun 23, 2026

Phone-based education improves inhaler use in people with COPD

A phone-based teach-to-goal program improved correct inhaler use in Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with COPD. The study found that nearly 40% of participants used their inhaler incorrectly initially, but after the program, only about 7% were incorrect, resulting in a significant reduction.

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

STATEMENT from The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) and the Global Lung Function Initiative (GLI) have agreed on diagnostic criteria for COPD, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment. The new guidelines will help reduce the number of undiagnosed cases and promote the use of spirometry tests.

SourceGlobal Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 13, 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

New study shows dry powder inhalers can improve patient outcomes and lower environmental impact

Researchers found that certain inhalers used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not only less harmful to the environment but can also lead to slightly better patient outcomes. The dry powder inhaler was associated with a 14% lower risk of moderate or severe COPD exacerbations compared to metered-dose inhalers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2026

Neighborhood factors may lead to increased COPD-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations

A new study reveals that neighborhood characteristics, including poverty and lower educational attainment, are associated with higher COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Community-level interventions targeting these risk factors can help improve quality of life and reduce acute care use.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 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

AI-powered ECG analysis offers promising path for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, says Mount Sinai researchers

Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI-powered ECG analysis tool that shows promise in detecting Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) early. The model achieved high accuracy rates across diverse populations, including a subgroup with irregular heartbeat and smoking exposure.

UN Member States pledge to increase access to diagnosis and inhaled medicines for the 480 million people living with COPD

The UN has pledged to improve access to diagnosis and treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects 480 million people worldwide. Inhaled medicines can reduce health and economic costs associated with COPD, but only 7% of pharmacies in low- and middle-income countries currently offer them.

European consortium together transforming future of COPD care

A European consortium developed a new decision-making framework to predict COPD exacerbation severity and prognostic risk, integrating three key factors: baseline health status, event intensity, and triggers. This framework, known as BAt model, aims to guide treatment strategies and improve consistency across clinical settings.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 25, 2025

Prevalence of dysfunctional breathing in the Japanese community and the involvement of tobacco use status: The JASTIS study 2024

A cross-sectional survey of 29,268 participants found a significant association between dysfunctional breathing and respiratory conditions, as well as non-respiratory diseases like epilepsy. Tobacco use was also linked to increased prevalence of DB, particularly among those with comorbidities.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalRespiratory Investigation·DateNov 24, 2025

Nonlinear association between systemic immune-inflammation index and in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial fibrillation: a cross-sectional study

A cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and in-hospital mortality in ICU patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The results showed a nonlinear association between SII and in-hospital mortality, with higher SII values associa...

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·DateNov 14, 2025

Efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of nebulized HL231 inhalation solution in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized trial

The study demonstrated that nebulized HL231 at 261 µg/141 µg dose achieved comparable bronchodilation efficacy, pharmacokinetic profiles, and safety outcomes to Ultibro. HL231 showed a clear dose-response relationship with predominantly mild-to-moderate adverse events.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·DateNov 9, 2025

Evaluating the effectiveness of staged versus simultaneous bilateral lung volume reduction surgery in patients with severe emphysema

This study evaluates the effectiveness of staged versus simultaneous bilateral lung volume reduction surgery in patients with severe emphysema. Both approaches significantly improve pulmonary function tests, but the staged approach offers a better composite outcome of overall survival and transplant-free survival.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·DateNov 9, 2025

A computed tomography-based lung radiomics nomogram to identify acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a multi-institutional validation study

A CT-based whole-lung radiomic nomogram accurately identifies AECOPD, offering a robust tool for clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. The nomogram demonstrated near-equivalent diagnostic performance to the radiomic score model, surpassing that of the clinical model.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·DateNov 9, 2025

UVA Health developing way to ID people at risk of dangerous lung scarring even before symptoms appear

Researchers aim to determine if biomarkers can identify adults at risk of developing interstitial lung disease (ILD), a chronic condition that causes inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue. The approach could lead to the development of new, better treatments with more tolerable side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 10, 2025

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

Specialised singing programmes can improve the symptoms and quality of life of people with lung disease

A gold-standard randomised-controlled trial found that specialised singing programmes can improve the symptoms and quality of life of people with lung disease, particularly those with chronic breathlessness. The SINFONIA study showed a significant improvement in quality of life for patients with COPD and ILD.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·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