2018

Paris, France: Children who have access to green spaces close to their homes have fewer respiratory problems, such as asthma and wheezing, in adulthood, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1]. In contrast, children who are exposed to air pollution are more likely to experience respiratory problems as young […]

Paris, France: Babies exposed to higher levels of organochlorine compounds in the womb go on to have worse lung function in childhood, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1]. These compounds, which include the pesticide DDT, as well as electrical insulators and other industrial products, are now banned in […]

Paris, France: First results from a clinical trial of a procedure to open obstructed airways in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have shown that it significantly reduces problems associated with the disease and is safe. Presenting findings from the AIRFLOW 2 phase II clinical trial, the principal investigator, Dr Dirk-Jan Slebos, from the […]

Paris, France: Children who take paracetamol during their first two years of life may be at a higher risk of developing asthma by the age of 18, especially if they have a particular genetic makeup, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] Ms Xin (Daisy) Dai told the meeting […]

Paris, France: Evidence of tiny particles of carbon, typically created by burning fossil fuels, has been found in placentas for the first time, in new research presented today at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1]. Previous research has indicated links between pregnant mothers’ exposure to air pollution and premature birth, low birth weight, infant […]

Paris, France: People who suffer with persistent asthma from a young age are more likely to leave school at 16 years old and those who make it to university are more likely to drop out early, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1]. The research also suggests that when […]

Paris, France: Obesity is known to be a risk factor for developing asthma but a new study shows that the reverse is also true: people with asthma are more likely to go on to become obese. The new research, presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1], indicates that those who develop asthma as […]

Paris, France: Babies born very prematurely are more likely to harbour Ureaplasma bacteria, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1]. Ureaplasma bacteria are often present in the birth canal but they are unusually small and difficult to detect. The bacteria can be passed on to babies during pregnancy or […]