Researchers have shown for the first time that fatty tissue accumulates in the airway walls, particularly in people who are overweight or obese. Scientists already know that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer with wheezing and asthma, but the reasons for this have not been completely explained. The new study, […]
2019
Paclitaxel-coated devices are safe for unblocking arteries in lower limbs: results from largest group of patients in the ‘real world’
Devices coated with a drug called paclitaxel that are used for widening blocked arteries in legs and feet are safe and not linked to an increase in deaths, according to a study of nearly 65,000 patients, published in the European Heart Journal [1]. In January 2019 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a […]
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome face higher risk of breathing difficulties
Madrid, Spain: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to develop poor respiratory health based on lung function tests, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] PCOS affects how a woman’s ovaries work because of a hormone imbalance. It can cause irregular periods, infertility and variety of other […]
Cheap, quick test identifies pneumonia patients at risk of respiratory failure or sepsis
Madrid, Spain: Spanish researchers in Valencia have identified specific fragments of genetic material that play a role in the development of respiratory failure and sepsis in pneumonia patients. Presenting the research at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1], Dr Francisco Sanz said the findings could enable doctors to test quickly for these biological markers […]
One third of patients with severe asthma are taking harmful doses of oral steroids
Madrid, Spain: A third of patients with severe asthma are taking harmful doses of oral steroids, according to a study of several thousand people in The Netherlands, presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] The majority of these patients could avoid taking oral steroids by improving their adherence to their other asthma medication […]
Treatment with long term, low dose antibiotic could help people born with chronic lung condition
Madrid, Spain: Taking a low dose of the antibiotic azithromycin for six months reduces symptoms for patients with the chronic lung condition primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] PCD is a rare inherited disease that affects people from birth. It causes coughing, a build-up of […]
Exposure to BPA in the womb linked to wheezing and poorer lung function in children
Madrid, Spain: Pregnant women exposed to higher levels of the commonly used chemical bisphenol A (BPA) are more likely to have children who suffer with wheezing and poorer lung function, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] BPA is one of a group of chemicals called phenols that are used […]
Babies develop fewer respiratory infections when they have well-connected bacterial networks
Madrid, Spain: Microscopic bacteria, which are present in all humans, cluster together and form communities in different parts of the body, such as the gut, lungs, nose and mouth. Now, for the first time, researchers have shown the extent to which these microbial communities are linked to each other across the body, and how these […]
‘Smart shirt’ can accurately measure breathing and could be used to monitor lung disease
Madrid, Spain: A smart shirt that measures lung function by sensing movements in the chest and abdomen has proved to be accurate when compared to traditional testing equipment, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress. [1] Researchers have used the smart shirts, together with a mobile app, to reliably measure breathing […]
Survey of truck drivers finds many suffer from sleep-related breathing disorders
Madrid, Spain: A survey of 905 Italian truck drivers has shown that approximately half suffer from at least one sleep-related breathing problem that potentially can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. In a presentation at the European Respiratory Society International Congress [1], Mr Luca Roberti, President of Apnoici Italiani (the Italian Sleep Apnoea […]