Top news of September: COVID-19 long-term follow-up, novel chronic cough therapy and more

The Healio editors have compiled a list of the most-read pulmonology news published in September.

Healio readers last month were most interested in new research on structured follow-up for COVID-19 survivors and guidance on long-term noninvasive ventilation for patients with chronic stable hypercapnic COPD. Other highlights include news from the virtual European Respiratory Society Congress on a new treatment option for chronic cough, later-life lung effects of childhood bronchitis and short-course oral dexamethasone for community-acquired pneumonia. Read these articles, and others, below, in no particular order.

Study highlights need for structured follow-up of COVID-19 survivors

COVID-19 survivors have persisting pulmonary impairment weeks after recovery, but for many it appears to improve over time, researchers reported. Read more

Childhood bronchitis may predict worse lung health in middle age

Adults who had childhood bronchitis were more likely to receive a diagnosis of pneumonia or asthma later in life, according to research presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more

Chemicals in e-cigarettes may form toxic compounds

Flavorings combine with solvents in electronic cigarettes to produce unstable chemicals that may cause respiratory effects in users, researchers reported. Read more

Early pulmonary rehabilitation post-extubation may improve outcomes in COVID-19 survivors

A small study presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress highlighted the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation after extubation in patients recovering from COVID-19. Read more

Prescribing based on genetic differences shows benefit in children, teens with asthma

Personalized medicine with genotype-based prescribing of asthma controller medication led to improvement quality of life for young people with asthma compared with standard care. Read more

New guidance on long-term noninvasive ventilation in chronic stable hypercapnic COPD

A new clinical practice guideline addresses limited evidence and provides new recommendations for management of noninvasive ventilation in patients with COPD and chronic hypercapnia. Read more

Pulmonary vascular dilation may cause hypoxemia in COVID-19-related pneumonia

Pulmonary vascular dilation appears to play a role in hypoxemia in patients with COVID-19-related pneumonia, researchers reported in a new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more

Fetal exposure to heavy metals linked to childhood asthma, allergies

Exposure to cadmium in the womb may impact the development of asthma and allergic diseases in childhood, according to research presented at the virtual European Respiratory Society International Congress. Read more

Dexamethasone reduces length of stay, ICU admission in patients with pneumonia

A short course of oral dexamethasone reduced length of stay and ICU admissions in adults with community-acquired pneumonia, according to new research. Read more

Gefapixant reduces cough frequency in refractory, unexplained chronic cough

Treatment with gefapixant, a P2X3 receptor antagonist reduced cough frequency and cough-related quality of life in patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough, according to results of two phase 3 trials. Read more