Top news of March: GERD and lung fibrosis, masks during exercise, COVID-19

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

Highlights from the last month include updates on rare allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines; COVID-19 risk in patients with asthma; safety of face masks during vigorous exercise; clinical outcomes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and COVID-19; mechanical ventilation discontinuation strategies and more.

Read these articles, and others, below, in no particular order.

Allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines rare, but ‘a lot of uncertainty’ remains

A panel of experts at the virtual American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Meeting highlighted current evidence on allergic reactions to available COVID-19 vaccines and how to assess patients who have had a reaction. Read more

Risk for respiratory symptoms, lung injury increased in adolescents who vape cannabis

Adolescents who vape cannabis have greater risk for lung injury and respiratory symptoms compared with those who smoke or vape other substances, according to findings published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Read more

Q&A: COVID-19 risk, vaccination in patients with asthma

The relationship between asthma and severity of COVID-19 remains unclear. Research continues to accumulate on the effect of asthma on COVID-19 severity. Read more

Wearing face mask during vigorous exercise safe for healthy individuals

In a small study, healthy individuals who wore a face mask had modest respiratory discomfort and a slight reduction in cardiorespiratory parameters, but use was deemed safe overall even during vigorous exercise. Read more

People with asthma not at higher risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes, study finds

People with and without asthma have similar risk for COVID-19 outcomes, according to a review of 57 studies published in the Journal of Asthma. Read more

Respiratory symptoms persist 6 months after hospitalization for COVID-19: Survey

A survey of patients following hospitalization for COVID-19 revealed residual shortness of breath, fatigue and other changes in daily living activities in the 6 months after discharge. Read more

Socioeconomic factors mediate association of race/ethnicity with worse outcomes in COVID-19

Black and Hispanic individuals have increased risk for COVID-19 positivity and this association appears to be mediated by socioeconomic factors including population density, income and household size, according to a new study. Read more

Clinical outcomes poor in patients with high-risk sleep apnea, COVID-19

Patients with high-risk obstructive sleep apnea and COVID-19 may be at increased risk for delayed improvement, clinical worsening and need for supplemental oxygen compared with patients with low-risk OSA, researchers reported. Read more

Study highlights regional variation in mechanical ventilation discontinuation strategies

Invasive mechanical ventilation discontinuation practices regarding patient screening, spontaneous breathing trial conduct, ventilator modes, protocols and clinician roles vary significantly by region. Read more

Gastroesophageal reflux disease may contribute to development of lung fibrosis

In a new study, the odds of having gastroesophageal reflux disease were nearly two times higher in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis compared with adults without idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Read more