Heavy Kids May Not Respond as Well to Asthma Meds
Title: Heavy Kids May Not Respond as Well to Asthma MedsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 3/4/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 3/5/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Asthma General)
Sté Tunisienne des Maladies Respiratoires et d'Allergologie
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Intravenous diuretic and vasodilator therapy reduce plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Conclusions: Plasma BNP levels decreased rapidly in patients with an AECOPD, after therapy with a diuretic and a vasodilator, and the treatment did not impair their health status.© 2012 The Authors. Respirology © 2012 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (Source: Respirology)
Preemptive anticoagulation benefits selected PE patients
Preemptive anticoagulation may benefit patients with intermediate and high clinical probabilities for pulmonary embolism even when the diagnostic delay is only a few hours, study findings indicate. (Source: MedWire News - Respiratory)
The emerging phenomenon of electronic cigarettes
The need for novel and more effective approaches to tobacco control is unquestionable. The electronic cigarette is a battery-powered electronic nicotine delivery system that looks very similar to a conventional cigarette and is capable of emulating smoking, but without the combustion products accountable for smoking’s damaging effects. Smokers who decide to switch to electronic cigarettes instead of continuing to smoke would achieve large health gains.
The electronic cigarette is an emerging phenomenon that is becoming increasingly popular with smokers worldwide. Users report buying them to help quit smoking, to reduce cigarette consumption, to relieve tobacco withdrawal symptoms due to workplace smoking restrictions and to continue to have a ‘smoking’ experience but with reduced health risks.
The focus of the present article is the health effects of using electronic cigarettes, with consideration given to the acceptability, safety and effectiveness of this product to serve as a long-term substitute for smoking or as a tool for smoking cessation
Respiratory diseases and muscle dysfunction
Many respiratory diseases lead to impaired function of skeletal muscles, influencing quality of life and patient survival. Dysfunction of both respiratory and limb muscles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been studied in depth, and seems to be caused by the complex interaction of general (inflammation, impaired gas exchange, malnutrition, comorbidity, drugs) and local factors (changes in respiratory mechanics and muscle activity, and molecular events).
Some of these factors are also present in cystic fibrosis and asthma. In obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, repeated exposure to hypoxia and the absence of reparative rest are believed to be the main causes of muscle dysfunction. Deconditioning appears to be crucial for the functional impairment observed in scoliosis. Finally, cachexia seems to be the main mechanism of muscle dysfunction in advanced lung cancer.
A multidimensional therapeutic approach is recommended, including pulmonary rehabilitation, an adequate level of physical activity, ventilatory support and nutritional interventions.