Top news of January: Smoking cessation methods, diet’s impact on COVID-19 odds

Healio has compiled the most-read news in pulmonology posted in January.

Highlights include a study showing higher quit rates for smoking with e-cigarette use vs. nicotine replacement therapy; a study that found lower odds for COVID-19 among individuals consuming a plant-based or vegetarian diet; an FDA clearance of a snoring-reducing device; a Q&A discussing good sleep hygiene; a combination pharmacotherapy for obstructive sleep apnea that reduced disease severity; and more.

Read these and other top stories in pulmonology below:

E-cigarette use vs. nicotine replacement therapy leads to higher quit rates

Individuals using nicotine e-cigarettes have a higher likelihood of quitting smoking compared with nicotine replacement therapy users, according to data published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Read more.

COVID-19 less likely among those following plant-based, vegetarian diets

Individuals who follow a plant-based or vegetarian diet are less likely to contract COVID-19 compared with those who follow an omnivorous diet, according to results published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. Read more.

FDA grants 510(k) clearance to snoring-reducing device

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to Mouth Guard+, a mandibular advancement device designed to reduce snoring, according to a press release from SnoreLessNow. Read more.

Q&A: How doctors can encourage good sleep hygiene among patients

Binge-watching a TV show and online shopping are common reasons adults stay up past their bedtimes, according to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Read more.

OSA pharmacotherapy reduces disease severity

A combination pharmacotherapy for obstructive sleep apnea led to greater reductions in disease severity compared with placebo, according to results from a proof-of-concept phase 2 trial. Read more.

ResMed CPAP masks subject to Class I recall over magnetic interference issue

Six reported injuries related to magnets on the headgear of CPAP machines by ResMed Ltd. have resulted in a recall the FDA labels as class I, the most serious kind, according to an FDA alert. Read more.

Ultrafine particle exposure heightens risk for respiratory mortality

Individuals faced a high risk for respiratory mortality 5 to 7 days after being exposed to ultrafine particle pollution, according to results published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read more.

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids may reduce pulmonary fibrosis progression

In patients with pulmonary fibrosis, consuming omega-3 fatty acids may improve diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and lengthen survival, according to results published in CHEST. Read more.

Palliative telecare team improves quality of life in COPD, ILD

Receiving care from a palliative telecare team resulted in more improvements in quality of life than usual care among patients with COPD, interstitial lung disease or heart failure, according to study results published in JAMA. Read more.

Inhaled corticosteroids increasingly used for COPD outside recommended indications

From 2010 to 2018, a rising number of veterans with COPD received inhaled corticosteroid prescriptions as first-line therapy outside recommended indications, according to results published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Read more.