COPD News

SAN DIEGO — Exposing infants with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis to secondhand smoke increases their risk of inflammation, while suppressing T and B cell responses, according to a recent presentation held at IDWeek 2017.

The death rate from chronic respiratory diseases increased by nearly 30% in the United States between 1980 and 2014, although these trends varied based on county of residence, chronic respiratory disease type and gender, according to findings recently published in JAMA.

Tiotropium use was effective in improving lung function and quality of life and reduced the frequency of acute exacerbations compared with placebo in patients with early-stage COPD, according to findings recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

In 2015, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease contributed to 3.2 million deaths worldwide and asthma contributed to 0.4 million deaths. These statistics demonstrate the significant impact of these respiratory diseases and a need for better policies to improve access to and quality of existing interventions for prevention and treatment, according to findings published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine.

A 12-month phase 3 safety study demonstrated positive results of revefenacin for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a press release issued by Theravance Biopharma and Mylan.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk for developing asthma, according to data presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference;.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America designates May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month each year to raise awareness for these common diseases, as it is peak season for both conditions.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea may be at greater risk for atrial fibrillation, according to findings recently presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.

Patients with chronic lung disease who used Chantix — an agent approved to help stop smoking by addressing tobacco dependence — showed no increased risk for adverse events compared to those who used nicotine replacement therapy, according to a study that was recently published in Thorax. The findings were also applicable to bupropion, according to researchers.

An interprofessional, multicare setting program led to a nearly 50% reduction in 30-day all-cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease readmissions, according to findings presented at the Society of Hospital Medicine Annual Meeting.