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A comprehensive tool measuring burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, asthma

A comprehensive tool assessing burden of chronic conditions shows valid and reliable results compared to clinical surveys in patients with COPD, diabetes, and asthma. The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC) scale integrates patient experience into daily care, facilitating shared decision making and self-management.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 28, 2023

Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on incidence of long-term conditions in Wales

A population data linkage study found fewer people in Wales diagnosed with long-term conditions in 2020 and 2021 than expected, indicating a potential backlog of undiagnosed patients. This disparity affects chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and anxiety disorders, corresponding to over 30 and 80 missing diagnoses respectively.

SourceSwansea University·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2023

Children’s lung capacity improved in cleaner air

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal reports that children's lung capacity has improved in areas with decreased air pollution in Stockholm. The researchers found a 20% lower risk of significantly impaired lung function in participants living in areas with better air quality.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 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

Breathing muscles remain stronger even after weeks of no training: preserved health gains could improve physical endurance and quality of life for people with chronic lung conditions

Researchers found that breathing muscle strength persisted for five weeks after training stopped, suggesting potential benefits for physical endurance and quality of life in individuals with chronic lung conditions. Inspiratory muscle training also reduced the metaboreflex, allowing for improved exercise endurance.

SourceThe Physiological Society·JournalExperimental Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2023

Study shows how urban environment influences physical activity in COPD patients

The study found that higher population density was associated with fewer steps taken by patients, more sedentary time, and worse exercise capacity. Longer pedestrian street lengths were associated with more steps and less sedentary time, while steeper terrain was linked to greater exercise capacity.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 14, 2022

Race-based spirometry equations may miss emphysema

A secondary analysis of the CARDIA Lung study found that a substantial proportion of middle-aged adults with normal spirometry findings had emphysema on CT scan. Race-specific interpretations of spirometry may underestimate respiratory symptom burden and risk for death in Black adults, perpetuating structural racial inequities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 18, 2022

More coronary disease among COPD patients

A new study from Norway found that COPD patients have a higher degree of coronary artery calcification and narrower coronary arteries. The researchers discovered an increased risk of coronary disease in COPD patients, independent of disease severity, emphasizing the importance of early detection.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 9, 2022

Stopping lung damage before it turns deadly

Researchers found that hypoxia can activate immune cells called ILC2s, which respond to harmless environmental allergens and drive mucus production and inflammation in the lungs. The study identifies adrenomedullin as a new target for treating inflammatory and allergic lung diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022

Integrated palliative care in ambulatory settings falls short of relieving symptom burden but improves health care utilization

A mixed-method review and meta-analysis found that integrated palliative care in ambulatory settings has limited effect on reducing symptom burden, but improves health care utilization for U.S. adults with non-cancer related chronic illnesses. The models were also effective in increasing advanced directive documentation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 26, 2022