Popular wood-fired boilers spur pollution concerns Nov 19, 2008
"People who have preexisting health conditions like asthma or emphysema or heart conditions might be particularly susceptible to smoke from these units.". The agency is finalizing statewide regulations, including criteria for best operating practices, setback guidelines, thermal efficiency, and minimum smokestack height, that Massachusetts hopes to have in place by winter, said Ed Coletta, the department spokesman. (Boston Globe)
Lung disease diagnosis confusion Nov 19, 2008
COPD, an umbrella term including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fifth biggest killer in the UK.. The survey found that 80% of doctors found differentiating between asthma and COPD quite or very challenging. (BBC News)
Thousands of patients could face lung damage, charity warns Nov 19, 2008
The British Lung Foundation is calling for everyone over 35 with asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an umbrella term which includes diseases like emphysema, to be retested. The call comes after a survey for the charity shows that most doctors have trouble differentiating between the two conditions. (Telegraph.co.uk)
Teens have fewer aids for kicking the habit Nov 18, 2008
Nearly half of all adults in the United States who suffer from emphysema and 40 percent with chronic bronchitis are smokers, the CDC reports. More than 430,000 Americans die each year from smoking-related causes, the American Lung Association estimates. (CNN)
EDITORIAL:'The Smokeout' Nov 18, 2008
The American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association both have strong ethical and moral interests in prevention and cessation: Smoking causes multiples kinds of cancers and it causes Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which includes emphysema. Millions of Americans have COPD and are treated. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
U.S. Smoking Rate Drops Slightly Nov 18, 2008
COPD -- a disease that encompasses emphysema and chronic bronchitis -- is still the 4th leading killer in the U.S.. But there are small signs of progress: smoking rates dropped by 3 percent among blacks last year, and more than 50 percent of young adults had tried to quit within the past 12 months. (KERO 23, CA)
Some casualties of war never get counted Nov 18, 2008
And she would wave out another match around her curled, blue-gray hair and take a drag between coughing jags from the emphysema that would eventually kill her. Not that she really cared that much about life anymore. (Beverly Citizen, MA)
New Nanocluster To Boost Thin Films For Semiconductors Nov 16, 2008
Chronic lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema can make breathing difficult. Researchers have shown that playing the harmonica on a regular. (Science Daily)
Editor's Mailbag (Nov. 13) (15) Nov 14, 2008
Thanks to my 35 years of smoking, I had developed emphysema, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes, but by changing my lifestyle and diet, and taking my drugs regularly, I was feeling good and had everything under control. Then my wife lost her job and the insurance. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Demons mourning club legend Ian Ridley Nov 13, 2008
Ridley died on Thursday, aged 74, after battling emphysema for several years, the Demons said. He was named an official legend in Melbourne's hall of fame in 2006, named as an emergency in the club's team of the century in 2000 and received life membership from the AFL in 1997. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Cold and flu survival kit Nov 13, 2008
"If they are going downhill, it is fine to go to the emergency room or the doctor's office if someone has the flu and is very elderly" or has diabetes, emphysema or other chronic health problems, he said. Colds. (Scripps Howard News Wire)
Call for mass lung disease screening Nov 13, 2008
THE potentially fatal lung disease behind chronic bronchitis and emphysema afflicts triple the number of Australians that official figures suggest, making a case for the introduction of mass screening programs for the illness. An Access Economics report funded by the Australian Lung Foundation found chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive disease that blocks airflow from the lungs, is now more common than heart disease, diabetes or road accidents. (The Australian)
Local briefs Nov 12, 2008
Health benefits that can come by quitting smoking include reducing the risk of developing smoking-related heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema, according to the news release. To help assist smokers with their cessation efforts, smokers are encouraged to call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline, 1-866-784-8937. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Business in Brief Nov 11, 2008
Pohlman and Gimino specialize in treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and lung disease. Dr. Gimino will also be seeing sleep medicine patients. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Anti-smoking ads back in state Nov 11, 2008
"Emphysema patients with tracheotomies telling their stories simply stated facts about chemicals in cigarettes. These devices contributed to effective ads - ones that didn't preach but plainly said, 'We think you ought to know,'" Verret said. "This generated incredible results, especially with kids.". (Boston University Daily Free Press, MA)
Kokua Line: Vog poses little threat away from Big Isle Nov 7, 2008
While the general public outside of the Big Island shouldn't be adversely affected, "individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma and emphysema, may experience discomfort or health effects from vog and should take precautions," Okubo said ... While the general public outside of the Big Island shouldn't be adversely affected, "individuals with underlying respiratory conditions, such as asthma and emphysema, may experience discomfort or health effects from vog and should take... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
BETTER LIFE: Smokers more addicted now than in '80s, '90s Nov 7, 2008
Addiction - Better Life - USATODAY.com. Study: Smokers more addicted now than in '80s, '90s. (USA Today -- Life)
Oxygen Therapy No Quick Fix for Lung Disease Nov 7, 2008
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, incorporates two principal diseases, emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Both conditions are strongly linked to smoking and involve difficulty in moving air through the lungs. (MEDLINEplus)
Palo Alto library measure N wins Nov 6, 2008
I also have emphysema pretty bad and use portable oxygen and have other health problems. My wife is deceased and my only son is 2,000 miles away. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Obesity increases risk of arthritis, study suggests Nov 6, 2008
A third study published yesterday, also by Statistics Canada, suggests that adults suffering from stress have higher odds of developing a number of chronic conditions, including arthritis and rheumatism, back problems, chronic bronchitis or emphysema, and stomach or intestinal ulcers. "Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, the emotions engendered by stress can alter the immune response and influence the onset and progression of physical illness. Another possibility is that... (Yahoo News -- Arthritis)
UK lung transplant breakthrough for Wrexham man Nov 1, 2008
Mr Collins was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and emphysema in April last year and went on the transplant waiting list. He needed oxygen to help him breathe and relied on his wife Maggie to help him walk up the stairs at home. (WalesOnline)
Well-known Drug (AAT) Could Overcome Obstacles To Islet Transplantation, Study Suggests Oct 31, 2008
Human AAT has been used for more than 20 years in the form of weekly intravenous injections to treat a rare but serious genetic abnormality known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, the most common cause of hereditary lung emphysema. In these long-lasting treatments, AAT exhibited an impressive safety record. (Science Daily)
Lungs 'breathe' outside body Oct 31, 2008
Doctors at the University Hospital of South Manchester in Wythenshawe performed the 14-hour operation on Kenneth Collins, 55, diagnosed with emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. According to the Independent, the procedure has never before been performed outside Sweden, where the doctors, who pioneered it, had themselves carried out the surgery only six times. (India Times, India -- Health/Science)
Top 5 Things That Kill Men Oct 30, 2008
"Cut your salt consumption and you can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 25 percent, he said. Little changes with moving can also make a big difference. The American Heart Association found that people, who moved for 30 minutes a day, even if they only exercised in 10-minute increments, reduced their risk for heart disease. 2. Cancer. Like most diseases, cancers are both genetic and environmental. Lung cancer, prostate and colon cancer are the deadliest for men. You can t change... (Fox News)
Winehouse may not sing again Oct 30, 2008
Friends fear the singer who was hospitalized last weekend with a chest infection, at first thought to be the return of emphysema has damaged her voice through her drug-fueled partying and may never record another album ... The Rehab star was rushed to hospital on October 25, 2008 for scans after fears she had a return attack of the debilitating lung disease emphysema - which she developed and was treated for in June this year ... The scans the 25-year-old singer was given were precautionary... (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
New Amy health scare Oct 30, 2008
Friends fear the singer who was hospitalised last weekend with a chest infection, at first thought to be the return of emphysema has damaged her voice through her drug-fuelled partying and may never record another album. Record bosses allegedly claim work on the follow-up to Winehouses award-winning 'Back To Black' LP is "going slower than hoped" because of her health problems. (iAfrica.com)
Scabby Amy Winehouse looks a right mess as she's taken to hospital ... Oct 28, 2008
In June she was given the stark warning by doctors to 'quit drugs or die' and at the end of that month she was diagnosed with the early stages of the lung disease emphysema. However, as soon as she left the clinic she was seen smoking a cigarette. (Daily Mail)
Amy Winehouse hospitalized Oct 28, 2008
The troubled singer was rushed to hospital on Saturday for scans after fears she had a return attack of the disease emphysema - which she developed and was treated for in June this year ... The scans she was given were precautionary measures to check emphysema had not returned. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Scientists Come Closer to Unlocking Secrets of Common Cold Oct 28, 2008
"Everyone thinks the common cold is fairly innocuous, which it is. But if you have people with lower airway disease -- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema -- these viruses are now known to be very important triggers for people to have acute attacks and that can be life-threatening," said David Proud of the University of Calgary, the study's lead author and a professor of physiology and biophysics and Canada Research Chair in Inflammatory Airway Diseases. For the study, 35 volunteers agreed to be... (MEDLINEplus)
Cold viruses activate killer genes, study finds Oct 24, 2008
Many, including RSV and rhinoviruses, are linked with more serious conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis, now grouped with emphysema as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. "In young children, if they have recurrent viral infections in early life that are rhinovirus-driven, they are 10 times more likely to develop asthma," Proud said. (Scientific American)
CDC panel recommends vaccination for smokers Oct 24, 2008
About 50% of regular smokers will die of a smoking-related disease, usually lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or cardiovascular disease, Edelman said. The vaccine protects against several strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a group of bacteria also known as pneumococci. (Los Angeles Times)
19th Congressional District Oct 24, 2008
The actions we take to address climate change will also help reduce incidences of asthma, emphysema, acid rain, and oil spills. These actions will result in tangible environmental and public health protections, and they will also help to invigorate our economy by spurring investment in new energy technologies and reducing our dependence of foreign oil. (MIllbrook Voice Ledger, NY)
National Jewish Health researchers evaluating treatment to help emphysema sufferers breathe easier Oct 23, 2008
Researchers at National Jewish Health are testing an investigational treatment to learn if poking holes in the lungs of emphysema patients can immediately help them breathe more easily. Destruction of lung tissue caused by emphysema can leave lungs stiff and overinflated with air that cannot escape ... "Advanced emphysema patients are often in poor physical condition, struggling with each breath," said Ali Musani, MD, FCCP, principal investigator of the study at National Jewish. (EurekAlert!)
Alcohol Doesn't Worsen Chronic Lung Conditions Oct 22, 2008
COPD includes conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. "While tobacco consumption has a well-established role in COPD-related morbidity, relatively less is known about the association between alcohol use and COPD," Dr. Courtney C. Greene of the University of Washington, Seattle, and colleagues write in the medical journal Chest. (MEDLINEplus)
Measure 3 needs your support Oct 21, 2008
The people I have taken care of with COPD, emphysema or lung cancer due to tobacco use are just like you and I. They did not choose to get these life-changing illnesses, and I would like to think that given the opportunity to have smoking cessation and tobacco education classes, they may have quit before their lungs were diseased or damaged, or best of all, may not have even started using tobacco at all. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
How Salford became best Oct 16, 2008
One of the successes has been an integrated outreach service for people with respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema. Hospital consultants and nurses run regular clinics in GP surgeries giving patients a chance to get expert advice if they feel their condition is worsening. (BBC News -- UK)
Palpitations--Causes and Diagnosis Oct 16, 2008
g., emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis). (Source: Am Fam Physician 2005;743-50). (Suite101.com)
Protein Made In Liver Restores Blood Glucose In Type 1 Diabetes Model Oct 16, 2008
15, 2008) A protein made by the liver in response to inflammation and used to treat patients suffering from a genetic form of emphysema has been shown to restore blood glucose levels in a mouse model of Type 1 diabetes mellitus, according to a new study led by researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) ... The AAT protein is already in widespread use as a replacement therapy in treating Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited disorder that can cause emphysema-like lung... (Science Daily)
Shape Up Kittitas County promotes staying active Oct 16, 2008
Local health officials agreed a communitywide effort to encourage better exercise and nutrition decisions could affect the rate of heart attack, stroke, asthma, emphysema, cancer and other diseases, including arthritis and osteoporosis. Since then, efforts have been made to: incorporate physical activity amenities and non-motorized transportation features (like more sidewalks, trails, pathways, parks and bike paths) in local government planning, help school districts improve their wellness... (Ellensburg Daily Record, WA)
Readers react Oct 13, 2008
" ... In 1964 Grandma was diagnosed with gall bladder cancer. She passed in July of 1965. Grandpa had had a physical 2 weeks before her death and his doctor told us, for his age, he had the strongest heart he'd ever seen. The doctor told him he'd never die of a heart attack, that was for sure. One week after Grandma's death, despite the doctor's prediction, Grandpa died of a heart attack. The doctor said what he really died of was a broken heart, but we know better. Grandma kept her promise. She... (MSNBC -- Health)
State hospital at Warm Springs considers ban on smoking Oct 11, 2008
"It is part of our responsibility in caring for our patients to avail other ways to do it because this addictive way has too great a cost economically and physically." At Warm Springs, smoking and obesity-related illnesses such as emphysema, diabetes and cardiopulmonary obstructive disease are prevalent, and a modern approach to treatment includes a broader focus on general health than in the past, Amberg said. Montana State Hospital is not a pioneer in considering a smoking ban; hospitals... (Montana Standard, MT)
Wildfires can boost ozone pollution Oct 11, 2008
These range from coughing and throat irritation to more serious problems, such as aggravation of asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema. Ground-level ozone pollution also damages crops and other plants. (India Times, India)
Chronic Lung Disease Common in Older Adults Oct 10, 2008
COPD is primarily cause by two principal diseases, emphysema and chronic bronchitis, both of which are strongly linked to smoking. A primary symptom is the difficulty and ultimately inability to move air through the lungs. (MEDLINEplus)
COPD and Declining FEV1 — Time to Divide and Conquer? Oct 10, 2008
COPD was understood to include chronic bronchitis and emphysema, but the definitions of these two entities contained no mention of airflow obstruction. The clinical paradigm described patients as either "blue bloaters," who had chronic airway inflammation and a propensity for resting hypercapnia, and "pink puffers," who had airspace destruction and preserved resting arterial oxygenation. (New England Journal of Medicine)
ChoicesStudents teach students there is more to drug, alcohol, tobacco abuse prevention than just saying 'no' Oct 8, 2008
Sixth-grader Jonathan Alvarez breathes through a small soda straw to feel what someone with emphysema experiences during a tobacco-use prevention class at Casa Grande Middle School last week. The class was led by the school's eighth-grade students under the supervision of school counselor Beth Russell. (Casa Grande Valley Newspapers, AZ)
NVA237 Phase II Results Presented at the European Respiratory Society Annual Meeting Show Promising Efficacy and Tolerability With Potentially Faster Onset Than Tiotropium Oct 7, 2008
It is a progressive lung disease with symptoms including chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema which slowly progress and eventually lead to a largely irreversible loss of lung function ... Symptoms include chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema which slowly progress and eventually lead to a largely irreversible loss of lung function. (PR Newswire)
Town fights marijuana use Oct 7, 2008
During the next four years, RCASA officials will fight marijuana use by having teenagers work on media campaigns about the drug s potency issues and educating faculty and parents about the drug s dangerous side effects, including chronic cough, bronchitis, emphysema and cancer. McNamara hopes that having more open conversations with teachers and parents will help lessen marijuana consumption. (Reading Advocate, MA)
Galloping And Breathing At High Speed Oct 7, 2008
6, 2008) The coordination of two systems are key for any horse to walk, trot, gallop or win a race. The first are the lower limbs, which allow the animal to move along on a spring-like tendon. (Science Daily)
Red wine may lower lung cancer risk Oct 7, 2008
Adjustments were made for age, race/ethnicity, education, income, body mass index, history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, and smoking history. Among the study participants, there was on average a two percent lower lung cancer risk associated with each glass of red wine consumed per month. (EurekAlert!)
Health glance - 10-6-2008 Oct 6, 2008
The lung disease support group, Huffers and Puffers, will meet at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Yuma Regional Medical Plaza, 1501 W. 24th St. The organization is for adults with lung disease and related health problems such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis. For more information, call 336-2784. (Yuma Daily Sun, AZ)
The Environmental Dangers of Backyard Fire Pits Oct 4, 2008
As such, the EPA advises that anyone with congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma should steer clear of wood smoke in general. Children s exposure to wood smoke should also be limited, as their respiratory systems are still developing and they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults. (Scientific American)
159,000 Jobs Lost in September, the Worst Month in Five Years Oct 4, 2008
His wife has emphysema but has visited the doctor only once in the last year because his family lacks health insurance, he said. His daughter, 15, was hoping to talk her way into her high school s homecoming football game on Friday evening, unable to afford a ticket. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Sentara begins international trial -- open at only 24 US locations Oct 3, 2008
Stents may offer new treatment option to emphysema or COPD patients ... Norfolk, VA September 23, 2008 Researchers at Sentara Cardiovascular Research Institute begin a new international study to explore the safety and effectiveness of stents to open airways of patients with advanced emphysema or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ... The EASE (Exhale Airway Stents for Emphysema) Trial focuses on airway bypass, an investigational technique without surgery to create new pathways to... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
New Cervical Cancer Test for Rural Areas Proves Efficient Sep 25, 2008
Certain lung-disease medications used by millions of people suffering from emphysema and bronchitis may somewhat raise the risk of heart attacks, strokes and even death, according to researchers. Studies conducted by researchers over the last couple of years have shown that hormone therapy for prostate cancer patients can increase the risk of having a heart attack and the one of developing. (eFluxMedia)
Inhalers raise risk of heart problems Sep 25, 2008
CHICAGO: Inhaler drugs used by millions of people with emphysema and bronchitis may slightly raise the risk for heart attacks and even death, a study suggests ... Most affected patients have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. (India Times, India)
Inhalers tied to heart attacks Sep 24, 2008
Study found emphysema and bronchitis drugs can slightly raise risk ... CHICAGO - Inhaler drugs used by millions of people with emphysema and bronchitis may slightly raise the risk for heart attacks and even death, a study suggests ... Most affected patients have both emphysema and chronic bronchitis. (MSNBC -- Health)
Certain Inhalers May Raise Risk of Heart Attack Sep 24, 2008
These studies conclude people taking the inhaled drugs Spiriva Handihaler and Atrovent for a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis may have a slightly higher risk for heart attacks and even death. Although the study is not conclusive and the benefits outweigh the risks, researchers are urging doctors to closely monitor patients who use the inhalers. (R News)
Lung drugs might be taking toll on the heart Sep 24, 2008
Estimated number of Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, in 2006 ... COPD refers to two incurable lung ailments, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. (USA Today)
Physicians Often Miss Opportunities To Show Empathy, Study Finds Sep 23, 2008
(June 10, 2007) Researchers just announced the start of the EASE (Exhale Airway Stents for Emphysema) Trial, an international, multi-center clinical trial to explore an investigational treatment that may offer a. . (Science Daily (press release))
What I saw after Ike was revelation Sep 23, 2008
I SAW GOD'S patience displayed as our team watched a middle-aged man with severe emphysema travel outside in his wheelchair to smoke after presenting just an hour before to our treatment area blue and in severe respiratory distress. I saw God's love in family members who hovered protectively hour after hour over elderly parents incapacitated by Alzheimer's dementia. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Older Emphysema Drug Linked to Heart Deaths Sep 18, 2008
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A drug once commonly used for emphysema and other forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may raise the risk of heart death by a third, U.S. researchers reported on Tuesday ... COPD is an umbrella term for respiratory diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis and is mostly caused by smoking. (MEDLINEplus)
Broccoli A Boon Against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ... Sep 16, 2008
is characterized by emphysema and chronic bronchitis, leading to obstruction in air flow to the lungs ... Previous studies conducted on mice indicated that disrupting the NRF2 gene caused early onset of severe emphysema, which is one of the conditions suffered by COPD patients. (TopNews)
Common bronchodilator linked to increased deaths Sep 16, 2008
COPD is an umbrella term for respiratory diseases that include chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The primary cause is smoking. (EurekAlert!)
Another Benefit of Health: Wealth Sep 14, 2008
If you avoid emphysema and cancer, your savings multiply. The potential savings from medical treatments could add tens of thousands of dollars more to your nest egg. (Time.com)
COPD? Eat your veggies Sep 13, 2008
Dr. Biswal had previously shown that disruption in NRF2 expression in mice exposed to cigarette smoke caused early onset of severe emphysema ... John Heffner, MD, past president of the ATS, commented that "mounting evidence over several decades underscores the importance of oxidant-mediated damage for the development of COPD in addition to other lung diseases. This study adds greater precision to our understanding of the specific antioxidants that may protect the lung against emphysema to allow... (EurekAlert!)
