Early-life events, such as the exposure to air pollutants, increases the risk of chronic lung disease in young adulthood, according to new results. The studies add to the growing evidence that chronic lung disease in adulthood can be traced back to childhood. Source
Face masks unlikely to cause over-exposure to carbon dioxide, even in patients with lung disease, study finds
New research findings contradict statements linking wearing face masks to carbon dioxide poisoning by trapping carbon dioxide. During the COVID-19 pandemic the wearing of face masks has become a highly political issue with some individuals falsely claiming that wearing face masks may be putting people’s health at risk. Source
Cannabinoids associated with negative respiratory health effects in older adults with COPD
Cannabinoids, a class of prescription pills that contain synthetically-made chemicals found in marijuana, are associated with a 64 per cent increase in death among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the first published data on the impact of cannabinoids on the respiratory health of individuals with the lung disease. Source
Bronchitis as a child predicts worse lung health in middle age
People who had bronchitis at least once before the age of seven are more likely to develop lung problems in later life, according to new research. However, the lung diseases they suffer from by the age of 53 were usually asthma and pneumonia rather than chronic bronchitis. Source
Protein produced by the nervous system may help treatments for inflammatory diseases
Researchers have discovered a protein produced by nervous system may be key to treating inflammatory diseases like asthma, allergies, chronic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Source
New practice guidelines on non-invasive ventilation in chronic stable Hypercapnic COPD
Medical researchers have released new clinical practice guidelines to help advise clinicians on the optimal management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypercapnia. Hypercapnia is the buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. Source
Asthma does not seem to increase the severity of COVID-19, research team finds
Researchers say further study is needed, but those with the chronic respiratory disease don’t appear to be at a higher risk of getting extremely ill or dying from coronavirus. Source
Undersized airways may explain why nonsmokers get COPD
A mismatch between airway and lung size may explain why some nonsmokers get COPD and some heavy smokers do not, according to a new study. Source
Mucus breakthrough could help patients breathe easy
New insights into the molecular mechanisms driving mucus viscosity were have been discovered. A discovery about how mucus thickness is regulated could help to improve airway-clearing treatment options for people with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Source
COPD and smoking associated with higher COVID-19 mortality
Current smokers and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased risk of severe complications and higher mortality with COVID-19 infection, according to a new study. Source