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Diagnosing the cause of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms

A study of 214 children found that final diagnoses differ from referral diagnoses in 54% of cases, with asthma being the most common cause. Inhaling medication was prescribed to 91% of children with a final diagnosis of asthma, while physiotherapy was recommended for 50% of those with dysfunctional breathing.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Pulmonology·DateNov 18, 2020

Study explains potential causes for 'happy hypoxia' condition in COVID-19 patients

A new study sheds light on the mysterious condition known as silent hypoxemia or 'happy hypoxia' in COVID-19 patients. The research reveals that low oxygen levels without shortness of breath may be caused by a combination of factors, including inaccurate pulse oximeter readings and the brain's delayed response to low oxygen levels.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 2, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A commentary from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center reviews basic respiratory physiology and highlights the clinician's role in educating the public against relying on speech as a sign of adequate respiration. Data from studies of war and torture victims show that suffocation is a strong predictor of posttraumatic stress disorder.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJun 25, 2020

How cardiorespiratory function is related to genetics

An international team of researchers has identified genes related to cardiorespiratory function during acute periodic breathing, a condition that occurs in most humans at high altitudes. The study found that genetic variants affecting the response to insufficient oxygen impact the coordination between heart and lung functions.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·DateFeb 27, 2020

New hope for COPD patients possible with in-home device

In a new study, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that in-home bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) therapy can significantly improve COPD patient outcomes, including reduced mortality rates and fewer hospital admissions. The treatment helps alleviate shortness of breath and reduces the risk of intubation.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 4, 2020

Missing link in rare inherited skin disease exposed

Hokkaido University scientists have discovered the missing link in a rare hereditary disease that impairs the skin's barrier function. They found that fatty acid transporter member 4 (FATP4) plays a critical role in synthesizing acylceramides, key skin lipids that prevent water loss and protect against pathogens.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2020

Bend and snap: New interventions for rib fractures

A new multicenter study finds that stabilizing fractured and partially dislocated ribs through surgical stabilization improves patient outcomes, with reduced pain, increased comfort, and lower complication rates. Patients who underwent the procedure experienced better quality of life and fewer complications compared to those who did not.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateJan 21, 2020

Baby's first breath: A new method for helping preemies to breathe

Researchers have found a way to stimulate breathing in premature babies using pure oxygen, which may help reduce the need for invasive respiratory interventions. The technique has shown promising results in preterm rabbit kittens and human clinical studies, offering a potential non-invasive solution for supporting fragile newborns.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Pediatrics·DateDec 12, 2019

Respiration key to increase oxygen in the brain

Researchers discovered that exercise increases brain oxygenation by packing more oxygen into the bloodstream, contradicting the long-held assumption that blood is always completely saturated with oxygen. This breakthrough sheds new light on the dynamic relationship between respiration and cerebral oxygenation.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019