Top news of August: Updates in COVID-19 respiratory disease, pneumonia and more

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

Highlights from the previous month include updates in COVID-19 risk influenced by lung function levels; bacterial superinfection in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia; increase in exercise reduces obstructive sleep apnea risk; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis antifibrotic medication use in the U.S.; increased asthma risk at age 4 years after pneumonia in infancy; and more.

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

Bacterial superinfection detected in 21% of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

Bacterial superinfection was present at the time of intubation in 21% of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia, according to new research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more

Lung function levels influence link between obesity, COVID-19 risk

In a new study, researchers found that obesity interacts with low underlying lung function and raises the risk for COVID-19, according to data published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more

Rise in RSV cases anticipated as COVID-19 measures relax

As COVID-19 preventive measures begin to relax, authors of a commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal anticipate a resurgence in childhood respiratory syncytial virus in Canada. Read more

More exercise, less TV time may cut risk for obstructive sleep apnea

More physical activity and less time spent sedentary were associated with a lower incidence of obstructive sleep apnea, according to new results published in the European Respiratory Journal. Read more

Coexistence of bronchiectasis with asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis common

Coexisting bronchiectasis in patients with asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis is common and associated with more severe disease, according to new findings published in BMC Pulmonary Medicine. Read more

Single-use bronchoscope receives FDA clearance

A new single-use bronchoscope designed by Boston Scientific has received FDA clearance for use in ICU and operating room bedside procedures, according to a press release. Read more

Awake prone positioning may prevent intubation in patients with COVID-19

Awake prone positioning early after hospital admission significantly reduced the need for mechanical ventilation among patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19, researchers reported. Read more

Adoption of newer antifibrotic medications for IPF low in US in everyday practice: Study

Adoption of pirfenidone and nintedanib for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has been low in the U.S., according to an analysis published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Read more

Ongoing monitoring of COVID-19 risk in individuals with cystic fibrosis required

Although individuals with cystic fibrosis have increased risk for respiratory tract viral infections, this population does not appear to have a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on published evidence to date. Read more

Pneumonia in infancy increases risk for asthma at age 4 years

In a new study, children with pneumonia diagnosed during infancy had an increased risk for asthma at age 4 years. Read more