Autoimmunity plays a role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study that analyzed human genome information. Source
Childhood exposure to secondhand smoke may increase risk of adult lung disease death
A new study suggests that long-term exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) death in adulthood. Source
E-cigarette vapor disables key immune cells in the lung and boosts inflammation
E-cigarette vapor boosts the production of inflammatory chemicals and disables key protective cells in the lung that keep the air spaces clear of potentially harmful particles, reveals a small experimental study. Source
More than 40 percent of women with asthma may develop COPD, but risk may be reduced
More than four in 10 women with asthma may go on to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study conducted in Ontario, Canada. Source
Cannabis does not improve breathlessness during exercise in patients with advanced COPD
Inhaled vaporized cannabis does not appear to improve or worsen exercise performance and activity-related breathlessness in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a randomized controlled trial. Source
Stem cell therapy drug may protect against smoke-related COPD symptoms
A drug used in stem cell therapy to treat certain cancers may also protect against cigarette smoke-induced lung injury. Source
Sleep disorder linked with changes to brain structure typical of dementia
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with changes to the structure of the brain that are also seen in the early stages of dementia, according to a new study. Source
Floppy eyelids may be sign of sleep apnea
A new study is providing further evidence that floppy eyelids may be a sign of sleep apnea. The study found that 53 percent of sleep apnea patients had upper eyelids that were lax and rubbery. Source
Poor sleep linked to lower cognitive functioning in people with diabetes and prediabetes
A study reports that people with diabetes and prediabetes who have lower sleep efficiency — a measure of how much time in bed is actually spent sleeping — have poorer cognitive function than those with better sleep efficiency. Source
Optimal sleep linked to lower risks for dementia and early death
Short and long daily sleep duration were risk factors for dementia and premature death in a study of Japanese adults aged 60 years and older. Source