Three large studies together show that, although the number of people who smoke is declining, people are taking up smoking at a younger age and vaping has increased, particularly among children and younger people. The research, examining trends in Austria and Ireland, is presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Researchers […]
Weight loss injection semaglutide can reduce asthma attacks by up to 40 per cent
The diabetes and weight loss injection semaglutide can reduce asthma attacks by up to 40 per cent according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. The study was led by Dr Chloe Bloom, Clinical Associate Professor in Respiratory Epidemiology at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College […]
Laughter therapy can help people with COPD breathe more easily
A clinical trial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) shows that laughter therapy can reduce breathing difficulties and is as effective as more traditional breathing exercises. The research is presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. In the trial, patients were taught how to use deliberate laughter as […]
Smoking leads to increased loneliness
Smoking is not social and leads to increased loneliness, according to a large Europe-wide study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. The study was presented by Dr Keir Philip, Clinical Lecturer in Respiratory Medicine at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, UK. Dr Philip told the […]
In a third of cases, AI chatbots wrongly reassure sleep apnoea patients their symptoms aren’t serious
In a third of cases, AI chatbots wrongly reassure sleep apnoea patients that their symptoms are not serious, discouraging them from seeking a referral to a specialist, according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) often snore loudly, their breathing starts and […]
Bacteria in classroom dust associated with reduced lung function in children
Common bacteria found in classroom dust are associated with reduced lung function in children according to research presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. The research may show us how to make sure schools are healthy environments for children and their developing lungs. The study was presented by Dr Soutrik […]
Origins of COPD may lie in how some children’s lungs develop, but only when they are exposed to polluted air
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious, incurable lung disease that is common in older people. However, researchers are learning that the origins of the disease may lie decades earlier in how children’s lungs grow and develop. New research, presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1], suggests that babies […]
Patients diagnosed with lung cancer found to have more microplastic in their lungs
People with lung cancer are more likely to have microplastics in their lungs and to have larger quantities of microplastics in their lungs, according to research that will be presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain [1]. Researchers say their study adds to evidence that microplastics are entering our bodies via […]
Thymus radiation is linked to worse outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Until recently, the thymus was thought to be of little use beyond puberty, but new research has shown that radiation to the organ is associated with worse outcomes in patients being treated for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In a study published in the leading cancer journal Annals of Oncology [1], researchers analysed 1,107 patients […]
Vanillin flavouring in e-cigarettes disrupts human embryonic stem cell development
Vanillin, a common flavouring chemical in e-cigarettes, may disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape, according to a study published in Human Reproduction, one of the world’s leading reproductive medicine journals. [1] The finding explains how vaping may be linked to women having difficulty conceiving and to miscarriages. As it is […]