August 27, 2008

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Respiratory Diseases Center   [ Home >  Respiratory Diseases >  More  Related Items ]   RESPIRATORY DISEASES - NEWS CENTER Is Smog Deadly? April 28, 2008 Do you know what's in the air you breathe? According to a recent analysis by a committee of the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council, exposure to the ozone in smog is clearly linked to premature deaths. Think a Joint Isn't Harmful? Think Again. February 10, 2008 New Zealand researchers have found that smoking a single marijuana joint is as carcinogenic to the lungs as 20 cigarettes. Flu or Bronchitis Doubles the Heart Attack or Stroke Risk... December 13, 2007 The risk of a serious cardiovascular event (heart attack or stroke) is doubled in the week following a serious respiratory infection, such as flu or acute bronchitis. Sleep - Not Too Little, Not Too Much October 26, 2007 Back in 2004 I summarized an editorial in the journal Sleep summarized the view, based on numerous studies, that the association between sleep duration and mortality can be represented by a J- or U-shaped curve. The lowest mortality rate was apparently found with sleep duration of about 7 hours a night. Statins Can Help in COPD October 22, 2007 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is is a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It affects over 13.5 million Americans, and is the fourth leading cause of death in the USA. Because the decreased lung function in COPD has been linked to increased inflammation and oxidative stress, Harvard scientists decided to study the use of statins in the disease - they have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The results of the study have been published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care. Sleep Apnea? Stick With Your CPAP October 5, 2007 Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea - which itself means "without breath." In sleep apnea there are frequent cessations of breathing that last 10 seconds or more. One of the most successful treatments for obstructive sleep apnea is something known as CPAP, which stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Relatively Minor Surgery for Emphysema? September 27, 2007 One of the treatments for emphysema in advanced stages is surgery. Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) involves removal of wedges of damaged lung tissue, so that the remaining lung tissue functions more efficiently. Now there may be a less invasive approach to achieve the same result. Occupational Asthma - a Surprise August 24, 2007 A study done in 13 European countries shows that nursing is the occupation that carries the highest risk of occupational asthma. A report in the medical journal Lancet studied 6800 people who had taken part in an earlier respiratory survey and had no asthma at that time. Pneumonia Isn't What it Used to Be August 11, 2007 Many, many years ago we learned about two sorts of pneumonia (aka as the 'old man's friend', as old folk died from it quickly and quietly): lobar pneumonia and bronchopneumonia. By the time I qualified as a doctor, penicillin and other antibiotics were available, and pneumonia (of either sort) had lost much of its menace. An Artificial Nose Can Smell Out Asthma June 9, 2007 The artificial nose, whimsically called the Cyranose, is adept at sniffing out bombs, and optimizing coffee roasting. Now it's turning its expertise to medicinal diagnoses (no pun intended!). It has already been used with success in detecting tuberculosis bacteria and lung cancer from the volatile gas patterns in expired breath from patients. Asthmatics Benefit from Warmed Bronchi April 7, 2007 The use of radiofrequency heat, when applied in the right way, can improve severe persistent asthma. The technique is described in an article in the New England Journal of Medicine. It's called bronchial thermoplasty, and it's given through a standard bronchoscope, sending radio waves to the airway walls. The tissues are heated to about 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit), which is hot enough to reduce the amount of muscles lining the bronchi, but is low enough to avoid actual tissue destruction. Health and wellbeing improve if the home environment is warm and dry March 5, 2007 Home insulation has positive benefits for health, according to research from New Zealand. Graft dysfunction after lung transplantation signals later onset of serious complication March 2, 2007 Primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation increases the risk of bronchiolotis obliterans at a later stage. Exercise can benefit lung function among smokers March 1, 2007 Smokers who exercise have a slower decline in lung function and are less likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Smoking is a risk factor for tuberculosis February 28, 2007 Smoking appears to increase the risk of contracting tuberculosis and developing active disease. Study shows benefit of morphine in chronic cough February 16, 2007 Slow-release morphine is found to reduce level of treatment-resistant chronic cough. Statins improve prognosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease January 25, 2007 Statins reduce mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease according to a new clinical study. Study links staph bacteria to dangerous pneumonia January 23, 2007 Certain bacteria in staph infections are capable of causing necrotizing pneumonia. Low dose aspirin protects against asthma January 19, 2007 People taking low dose aspirin are less likely to develop asthma, according to a large study. People with chronic lung disease may benefit from combination therapy January 19, 2007 Combination therapy can reduce exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a clinical trial. Study finds link between smoking and TB January 18, 2007 Smoking increases the risk of TB in developing countries through creating indoor air pollution. Study uncovers link between cough, phlegm and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease January 3, 2007 People who develop a chronic cough run a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Quality of life can be normal for people with asthma December 21, 2006 A study shows that well-controlled asthma is a goal worth aiming for in terms of health status and quality of life. Lung transplant recipients may be in danger from cold virus December 20, 2006 The common cold virus can be a danger to lung transplant patients according to two case studies. Age need not be a barrier to lung transplant December 7, 2006 Lung transplant tends to have a good outcome in older patients according to a new survey. Gene therapy looks promising for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency December 4, 2006 Clinical trial shows that gene therapy for alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is safe and may also produce the desired therapeutic protein. New research uncovers association between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic lung disease November 23, 2006 There is a link between rheumatoid arthritis and chronic lung disease, according to a new study. Most bronchitis will not be helped by antibiotic treatment November 16, 2006 Antibiotics are being prescribed unnecessarily for cases of bronchitis, according to a survey. Religious attendance is found to improve lung health November 6, 2006 Following a religion has benefits on lung health, according to researchers. Lung disease is being under-reported October 5, 2006 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease goes unrecognized on death certificates. Give up smoking and improve your cough September 29, 2006 A non-smoking cough is a healthier cough, say researchers. Smoking cessation is more difficult for menthol cigarette smokers September 28, 2006 Menthol cigarettes are harder to give up according to a new study. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is undiagnosed in the majority September 27, 2006 Four out of five of those who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are undiagnosed and think they just have smoking-related symptoms. Air travel slowdown after 9/11 had public health impact September 14, 2006 The drop in air travel after 9/11 slowed down the spread of flu, which may have implications for handling a pandemic. Obesity and asthma are linked, says new research September 12, 2006 Obesity is a risk factor for asthma among women, according to a study from Canada. A test will determine how to treat a chronic cough September 8, 2006 A nitric oxide test is useful in determining whether a chronic cough will actually respond to treatment. Drug combination reduces mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease September 5, 2006 Medication reduces risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to the first study of its kind. Link between hostility and poor lung health uncovered September 4, 2006 Longstanding hostility can impair lung function, according to new research. 1,4-dichlorobenzene has an adverse effect upon lung function, according to US Government scientists August 3, 2006 A survey shows that a common chemical found in air fresheners and toilet bowl cleaners could affect lung function. Socio-economic status plays role in asthma and respiratory symptoms July 26, 2006 Lower socio-economic status is a risk factor for asthma and other lung diseases, according to Swedish scientists. Lung patients may be on the wrong inhaler July 6, 2006 A comparison shows that one kind of inhaler reduces hospital admission while the other increases the risk of lung-related deaths. Sinus treatment helps asthma June 29, 2006 A study shows that correcting sinus problems will improve asthma symptoms. Asthma link with vehicle exhausts June 28, 2006 According to new data, those exposed to traffic fumes are in danger of asthma. Integrated care best in chronic lung disease June 27, 2006 Fewer hospital admissions resulted when patients with chronic lung disease had integrated care, say researchers in Spain. Cleaning products make asthma and bronchitis worse May 24, 2006 A new study suggests that domestic cleaners' lung health is affected by the products they use. People with chronic lung disease still smoke May 18, 2006 According to a new study, many people with emphysema and bronchitis continue to smoke despite the risks. Rapid lung function decline is dangerous May 8, 2006 Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at risk of hospitalization and death if they have rapidly declining lung function. Inflammation is important in chronic lung disease April 28, 2006 A new study shows that a marker of inflammation is informative in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Hormone levels help predict survival in lung disease April 6, 2006 A new study shows that levels of brain natriuretic peptide can predict pulmonary hypertension among those with a range of lung diseases. Atopy is a factor in adult-onset asthma March 29, 2006 A new study shows that heredity predisposition is important in the development of adult asthma. Obesity influences response to asthma medication February 23, 2006 A new study shows that body mass index is a factor in asthma control by medication. Older asthmatics face increased cancer risk February 15, 2006 A new study shows that older people with asthma are more likely to develop cancer and other conditions. Chinese herbs do not decrease SARS mortality January 27, 2006 Adding Chinese herbs to conventional therapy improves the symptoms of SARS but does not cut the death rate. New cough guidelines issued January 19, 2006 Chest experts have come up with a comprehensive set of recommendations on how to diagnose and manage cough in children and adults. Fish oil helps with exercise-induced asthma January 17, 2006 A diet supplemented with fish oils reduces the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. Inhaled medicine helps after lung transplant January 16, 2006 According to a new study, inhaled cyclosporine improves survival after a lung transplant. Vitamin D plays a role in lung health December 15, 2005 Patients with higher levels of vitamin D have better lung function. Lung disease is common in Latin America November 7, 2005 Emphysema and bronchitis are more common in Latin America than previously believed. The misery of chronic cough November 4, 2005 A new report shows that suffering with chronic cough causes people a wide range of problems. Evaluating the risk of severe asthma October 28, 2005 A new study looks at the risk factors influencing severe asthma attacks. Smoking cessation in chronic lung disease October 28, 2005 Researchers find smoking cessation does not reduce inflammation of the airways in chronic lung disease. Asthma may be triggered by household products September 28, 2005 There is a new link between household sprays and asthma according to a European study. Potential new treatment for severe asthma September 28, 2005 Blocking an immune system chemical may be a new approach to treating asthma, according to recent research. Lung disease is new threat to women September 26, 2005 A new survey reveals that women in Britain do not realise how big a threat lung disease is to their health. Anxiety and lung disease August 25, 2005 A new study looks at factors involved in re-hospitalization of those with chronic lung disease. New drug for lung disease August 19, 2005 An anti-inflammatory drug shows promise as a treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a clinical trial. Low vitamin C link to asthma July 26, 2005 People with severe asthma have been found to have low intakes and blood levels of vitamin C. Smoking may increase TB risk July 6, 2005 A study from South Africa shows that smokers are more likely to develop TB infection. Antibiotics doe not help lower respiratory tract infections June 23, 2005 Giving antibiotics to people with infections such as bronchitis makes little difference to the outcome, according to a study. Weight reduction may help people with asthma June 16, 2005 According to a new study, a molecule involved in inflammation may provide a link between asthma and obesity. Laughter can bring on asthma May 25, 2005 A study shows that over half of people with asthma find that laughter can bring on an attack. Elderly vulnerable to air pollution May 24, 2005 Air pollution affects everyone, but a new study suggests it could be especially dangerous for the elderly. Bone fractures caused by respiratory disease April 27, 2005 A study shows that patients with chronic lung disease are more likely to suffer bone fractures. Flying with chronic lung disease March 23, 2005 The response of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to air travel has been studied on a real flight. Treatment for lung disease may also reduce heart attacks March 23, 2005 A study shows that steroid treatment to reduce inflammation in chronic lung disease also reduces heart attack risk. New insight into chronic lung disease February 23, 2005 Research into the mechanism of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease offers a potential new approach to the condition. Sleep apnea increases mortality rate February 23, 2005 People who have sleep apnea may have a 10 times higher risk of dying than the general population, according to a new study. New drug treats pulmonary hypertension January 26, 2005 A clinical trials shows that an oral drug, bosentan, can improve survival in patients who have pulmonary arterial hypertension. Does obesity cause asthma? January 26, 2005 A study from Sweden suggests that obesity is a risk factor for asthma. Gene therapy can reduce asthma symptoms November 6, 2003 A nasal spray containing nanoparticles delivering a therapeutic gene relieves asthma in experimental animals. Lung cancer screening helps smokers quit November 6, 2003 A screen for lung cancer might be the motivation some smokers need to help them quit. New database captures diagnostic lung sounds October 9, 2003 Electronic sensors could replace the stethoscope and give a far more accurate rendering of the sounds of the lungs in health and disease. Occupational exposure an important cause of lung disease September 1, 2003 A new survey reveals the exposure to airborne toxins at work may cause one case in five of chronic lung disease. Oral steroids help with chronic lung disease July 11, 2003 Patients given the oral steroid prednisone to prevent an episode of chronic lung disease experienced some benefit. Women more vulnerable to smoking than men June 2, 2003 Tobacco smoking seems to cause more respiratory symptoms among women than men, researchers say. Heart rhythm disorder linked with lung problems June 2, 2003 A new study shows that people with reduced lung function are more at risk of a common heart rhythm disorder. Cells critical for asthma development found April 10, 2003 Mice lacking a specific immune cell are unable to develop asthma, researchers say. Inhaled steroids useful in mild asthma April 1, 2003 People with mild asthma given inhaled steroids had fewer attacks and more symptom-free days. New procedure improves outlook in emphysema April 1, 2003 Lung volume reduction surgery improves lung function and quality of life in the long term for those with emphysema. Genetic clue to pulmonary hypertension February 7, 2003 A gene which causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the lungs is found to be overactive in pulmonary hypertension. Age not a factor in mortality from pneumonia February 4, 2003 Researchers in Spain have been looking at what raises the risk of dying from pneumonia. Long term survival in chronic lung disease February 3, 2003 Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who take inhaled steroids after discharge from hospital are more likely to survive. Mode of ventilation affects sleep in critically ill patients December 5, 2002 A new study shows how the way mechanical ventilation is given affects the sleep of critically ill people. Training helps people with lung disease December 4, 2002 Muscle training improves some aspects of lung function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When to see your doctor about a cough November 6, 2002 Some coughs are harmless, while others merit medical attention. Continuing smokers have reduced lung function September 5, 2002 A new report from the Lung Health Study shows that those who continue to smoke can expect reduced lung function as time goes by. Age a factor in recovery from lung injury January 9, 2002 Older people have a reduced chance of surviving lung injury, but they can recover, given ventilator treatment. Link between asthma and lung cancer established January 7, 2002 A new study reveals that people with asthma are nearly 60 per cent more likely to develop lung cancer. Passive smoking is a health hazard January 2, 2002 A new international study shows that many people exposed to environmental tobacco smoke experience significant respiratory symptoms. Steroids give added benefit in sinusitis January 2, 2002 Adding a steroid intranasal spray to antibiotic treatment improves and speeds recovery for people with sinusitis.   RELATED ITEMS Breathing Disturbances during Sleep Increase with Age February 14, 2008 Can Zinc Help Suppress Pneumonia in the Elderly? November 6, 2007 Delay in Diagnosis of Pulmonary Hypertension November 5, 2007 Depression Worsens Any Chronic Condition September 17, 2007 Pot Plus Tobacco Is Worse than Tobacco Alone June 1, 2007 A Little Is Good, but More is Better May 22, 2007 Be Careful at the Deli! April 29, 2007 Large waist-to-hip ratio risks breathing complications in weight loss surgery February 19, 2007 Vitamin C rich diet linked to better lung function January 30, 2006 Genetic link between asthma and obesity December 23, 2005

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