Articles tagged with Lungs
A study of over 300 employees found that workplace passive smoking significantly adversely affected lung function, with a 5-10% reduction in lung function at the highest levels of exposure. Non-smokers exposed to passive smoke at home or in public places showed no similar decline.
Researchers have identified scientifically based selection criteria for patients seeking lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) as a potential treatment for advanced emphysema. High-risk patients with severe lung damage and poor outcomes after surgery are no longer being enrolled in the study, but will continue to receive medical treatment.
Respiratory sounds can precisely determine the level of shortness of breath in asthma patients. A new computer program uses acoustic analysis to detect breathing problems, potentially setting off an alarm during sleep and enabling researchers to study conditions without inducing symptoms.
Jayraman et al. used fluorescent indicators to measure ASL salinity in normal human and CFTR-/- mice, finding no significant difference between the two groups. This noninvasive approach may provide new insights into lung diseases with poorly understood ASL properties.
Researchers found a significant association between chronic respiratory disease and periodontal disease in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Poor oral health worsens respiratory function and may increase risk of serious lower-respiratory-tract infections.
Research found that periodontal disease may increase a person's risk for respiratory disorders like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Patients with poor periodontal health had nearly a one-and-a-half times greater risk of developing COPD. Improved oral health may help prevent the progression of COPD.
A study found that using oral steroids to control severe asthma attacks reduced the risk of death from the disease by 90 percent. A written asthma action plan also significantly reduced the risk of death and hospitalization rates. Additionally, African-American women experienced a slower rate of lung function decline with age compared ...
A team of scientists at UNC-CH has discovered a human gene that produces a protein essential for generating forces powering cilia movement. This discovery could help understand and combat chronic lung diseases such as asthma and primary ciliary dyskinesia, which affect cilia function.
A recent NHLBI study found that inhaled corticosteroids do not significantly slow the progression of COPD, a disease affecting approximately 16 million Americans. However, patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids did experience fewer respiratory symptoms and improved lung sensitivity.
The American Thoracic Society recommends enhanced contact investigation to identify additional close contacts of active TB patients. Researchers also found that eliminating occupational exposure can prevent adult-onset asthma. Furthermore, children exposed to maternal smoking in utero show significant lung function deficits.
Researchers discover that mechanical deformation, such as stretching, can induce the expression of smooth muscle cell proteins and is crucial for normal lung development. This pathway may be disrupted in fetuses with oligohydramnion, leading to hypoplastic lungs.
Research by Imperial College scientists shows that previous infection history greatly affects the duration and severity of subsequent lung infections. This highlights the importance of considering past infections in vaccine design, particularly for individuals with varying ages and immune systems.
Children's lung development is slowed due to air pollution, according to a comprehensive study. Lung function growth rates were 10% lower in the most polluted community compared to cleaner areas, with effects also observed in asthmatic and healthy children.
Research highlights significant declines in lung function growth from air pollution and long-term effects of asthma on lung capacity. Studies found that children exposed to air pollution showed a 0.9% decline in annual lung function ability, while those with long-standing asthma experienced irreversible reductions in lung function.
Researchers developed a new technique that can target aerosol particles to smaller, harder-to-reach airways in the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis. The method uses fine particles and varying inhalation rates to direct the spray to different areas of the lungs.
UI researchers find that a simple sugar, xylitol, can enhance the natural defense system of the body, potentially preventing deadly bacterial infections in CF lungs. The study shows that xylitol lowers the salt concentration of the airway surface liquid, favoring antimicrobial agents and killing invading bacteria.
The Jackson Laboratory has received a $14 million NIH grant to create a center for mouse models of heart, lung, blood and sleep disorders. The center aims to develop new models and databases for biomedical researchers worldwide, as well as advance understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying healthy function and diseases.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo found that impaired pulmonary function was associated with increased risk of mortality over a nearly 30-year period. The study showed that individuals with poorer lung function were more than twice as likely to die, highlighting the importance of regular lung function testing
The European Respiratory Society warns that hundreds of medicines can cause lung diseases, with 310 therapeutic substances identified as having iatrogenic effects. Early withdrawal of these medicines can reduce the risk of damaging sequelae in 70% of cases.
A large multi-center study is testing the life-saving potential and cost effectiveness of public access defibrillation (PAD). PAD involves placing defibrillators in community locations, where trained volunteers can access them, to improve emergency treatment for sudden cardiac arrest victims.
Research published in Thorax found that COPD rates in women have almost doubled over the past decade. The study analyzed data from over 4 million patients and found significant increases in COPD cases among older women. Despite this, women with severe COPD tend to survive longer than men with similar severity.
Hospital survival rates for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) patients have increased by 40% over the years 1992 to 1995, with a two-fold improvement in mechanical ventilation outcomes. New lung function data shows that Chinese children's lung capacity is lower than white youngsters', but also improved in certain tests.
Two separate groups of scientists identified a genetic mutation associated with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), a rare but devastating lung disease. Defects in the BMPR2 gene lead to abnormal proliferation of cells in the lungs characteristic of PPH.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaling nitric oxide gas can prevent the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in infant rats by reducing cell proliferation in lung arteries. The study suggests that this therapy may significantly improve the quality of life and save lives of infants at risk for PVD.
A new national study found that unusual infections and fat emboli contribute significantly to acute chest syndrome in sickle cell disease patients. The syndrome is the leading cause of death among sickle cell patients, and earlier diagnosis and treatment may save many lives.
Two studies found a decrease in respiratory illnesses among school-age children after improved air quality. Lung function continued to grow in adolescents despite cessation of growth in height, with males showing greater gains. A new diagnostic test for asthma in young children was also developed.
A Phase I study of aerosolized administration of tgAAV-CF showed efficient gene transfer throughout the upper airways of patients with mild CF lung disease. No neutralizing antibodies were detected, suggesting a good safety profile for further development.
Researchers discovered that low nitric oxide levels in mouse newborns with hypoplastic lungs hinder the proper development of blood vessels, leading to persistent pulmonary hypertension and respiratory distress. The study aims to identify genes affecting lung development and function.
Hot tubs can cause lung disease by dispersing bacteria through aerosolization, leading to symptoms like fever and weight loss. Removing the hot tub from the home is often the primary treatment for mild cases, while more severe cases require corticosteroids and antibiotics.
The American Thoracic Society announces new research findings highlighting significant differences in lung function test results between Asian Americans and European Americans. Additionally, experts discuss the potential of gene therapy for treating lung cancer, while studying lung changes caused by smoking and aging.
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that HIV-positive smokers are up to seven times more likely to develop emphysema. Early emphysema was detected in people with an average age of 35, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking for those living with HIV.
A new meta-analysis of 24 studies found that allergy shots can effectively treat allergic asthma in both adults and children, reducing symptoms and improving lung function. The research suggests that up to half of all adult asthmatics and an even greater proportion of children may benefit from immunotherapy.
The National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) is enrolling patients with severe emphysema to compare the outcomes of those receiving maximum medical therapy versus those undergoing lung volume reduction surgery. The study aims to assess factors such as exercise ability, longevity, and related issues in both groups.
A study of over 3300 schoolchildren reveals that exposure to maternal cigarette smoke during pregnancy significantly reduces lung function. The effects are particularly noticeable on small airways and airflow, with environmental tobacco smoke having a lesser impact.
A study of over 3300 schoolchildren found that babies exposed to their mothers' cigarette smoke while in the womb had poorer lung function. The effects were particularly noticeable on small airways and were more pronounced than those caused by environmental tobacco smoke exposure after birth.
A recent study found that smoking cannabis regularly may increase the risk of developing emphysema, a disease that damages lung tissue and reduces surface area. The study examined four young men who smoked heavily and found large areas of their lungs had disappeared and been replaced with cysts.
Researchers found that using smaller mechanical breaths reduces deaths from acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study showed a 22% decrease in mortality rates, giving acutely inflamed lungs a better chance of healing.
A nationwide clinical trial found that reducing tidal volumes in mechanical ventilation can cut mortality from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by up to 22%. The study, involving 861 patients and coordinated at Massachusetts General Hospital, used a new technique with smaller oxygen puffs to provide breathing assistance.
Respiratory problems caused by workplace exposure affect various jobs, including farming, seafood industry, food processing, and manufacturing. Employers can take simple technological fixes to reduce worker risks.
A special diet formula with antioxidants and plant and fish oils reduced the need for ventilator support by an average of five days and ICU stay by five days in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The diet also significantly reduced organ failures, a common complication of ARDS.
Researchers from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute identified a crucial lipid molecule produced by M. tuberculosis to infect lung tissue. The discovery could lead to improved vaccines and treatments for tuberculosis, which kills more people than AIDS or malaria.
A Phase I/II trial of NUVANCE, an investigational once-a-week inhaled asthma treatment, suggests the drug helped stabilize lung function for up to 12 weeks following discontinuation of inhaled corticosteroids. The treatment was generally well tolerated, with minimal decline in forced expiratory volume.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has found that gamma/delta T cells are essential for regulating airway hyperresponsiveness, which is characterized by an exaggerated response to stimuli. The research suggests that these cells have a suppressive effect on airway constriction and may be a key target for future treatments.
Researchers at University of Florida report a 92% survival rate for newborns with diaphragmatic hernia using a new treatment strategy that reduces overventilation and delays corrective surgery, significantly improving lung function and development.
Researchers have found that tiny air pollutant particles can penetrate deeper into the lungs of healthy adults, potentially threatening their health. The study suggests that these particles can move up to two times faster through the airways than previously assumed, with implications for public health and environmental regulations.
Researchers have discovered that movement of salt and liquid in and out of lung surface cells plays a central role in regulating the lungs' internal liquid coating. This finding confirms a theory of how lungs protect themselves and may suggest better ways of treating cystic fibrosis.
A study found that African dust is a major factor affecting southeast U.S. air quality, with up to half of breathable particles in the air originating from Africa. The dust can push total airborne particles above the EPA's Clean Air Act limit on certain days.
Researchers developed a new therapy using an enhanced artificial surfactant that improves oxygen levels and protects natural surfactant in lung-affected patients. The treatment has potential for treating infants and adults with difficult-to-treat lung disease cases.
A new study presented at the American Lung Association/American Thoracic Society International Conference reveals that men are more likely to smoke when angry or anxious than women. The findings also suggest that male donors' lungs may be more prone to rejection in female recipients, increasing the risk of graft failure and death.
A new ventilator treatment has been shown to significantly reduce mortality among victims of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by 25%. The treatment involves providing smaller breaths of oxygen-rich air, which may protect the lung from injury. This life-saving breakthrough could save thousands of lives annually.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that simultaneous bone marrow infusions at lung transplantation significantly reduced obliterative bronchiolitis, a marker for chronic rejection. The study showed a 25% reduction in chronic rejection incidence among recipients who received bone marrow infusions.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that lung transplant patients who received lungs preserved for more than six hours had similar survival rates compared to those stored for less than four hours. The study, which examined over 350 cases, suggests that the current organ allocation policy may need to be revised.
Cystic fibrosis damages young lungs due to chronic bacterial infections and a lack of liquid layer, which hinders the body's natural cleansing process. Researchers have discovered that the film of liquid coating airways is depleted in CF patients, preventing cilia from functioning properly.
A study found that spraying water with airborne bacteria in indoor swimming pools can lead to a lung disease called granulomatous pneumonitis. Lifeguards who worked long hours at pools with water features were most affected, and symptoms included cough, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
A new study by researchers at UCSF found that bartenders who worked in smoke-free conditions after the ban reported significant drops in coughing and other respiratory problems. Lung function also improved after the implementation of the smoke-free workplace law.
A recent study found that bartenders' respiratory health and lung function improved significantly after a smoke-free environment was established in California bars. The study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, suggests that banning smoking in bars can have a positive impact on the health of bartending staff.
Researchers found that malnourished rats producing more glutathione had enhanced free-radical fighting capacities, lungs, and liver protection. Glutathione supplementation nearly doubled lung GSH levels, increasing protection against damage.
A new study found that children retain more simulated air pollution per unit of lung surface area than adults, suggesting they are more susceptible to illnesses caused by polluted air. Researchers will extend their studies to exercising volunteers to further understand the effects of particulate air pollution on children.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center have developed a novel mass spectrometry technique, Micropore Membrane Inlet Mass Spectrometry (MMIMS), to quickly and accurately assess lung function. This device can directly measure trace gas tensions in small blood and breath samples.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that exposure to household smoking during childhood and adolescence can lead to diminished lung function in young adulthood. The researchers measured lung function in over 1,400 students and found that a mother's smoking in the home was associated with reduced air flow rates.