Spirometry News and Research

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Spirometry is a type of pulmonary function test that provides information about the function of the lungs that can be used for a variety of purposes. The test uses a spirometer, a specialized machine with a tube connected, to measure the speed and volume of air that is exhaled into the tube.

NPS MedicineWise launches educational program to improve treatment of pediatric asthma

With a 2019 Australian study finding that only just over half (54%) of children treated in general practice were managed following Australian and international pediatric asthma clinical practice guidelines, the latest educational program from NPS MedicineWise launching today will provide an opportunity for health professionals to refresh their knowledge about basic principles in diagnosing and managing asthma for children of different ages.

26 Feb 2020

New PACK training raises hopes for treating common diseases in low- and middle-income countries

An educational outreach training package has shown to be effective for improving management of respiratory diseases in Brazil, raising hopes it could be rolled out to treat other common, severe diseases in low- and middle-income countries.

22 Dec 2019

Lowering mouse allergen exposure may lead to improved lung growth in asthmatic children

Lowering exposure to allergens from mice may lead to improved lung growth for children with asthma living in low-income neighborhoods, helping them avoid lung ailments and possibly live longer, according to newly published research in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

19 Dec 2019

Researchers propose new criteria for diagnosing COPD

Researchers at National Jewish Health and dozens of leading institutions around the nation have proposed new criteria for diagnosing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

12 Nov 2019

Nanoparticles moving through airway mucus may predict severity of COPD

In a proof-of-concept experiment, researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine say they have successfully used microscopic man-made particles to predict the severity of patients' chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by measuring how quickly the particles move through mucus samples.

30 Sep 2019

Regular physical activity in childhood linked to higher lung-function values in adolescent girls

Physical activity has many well-known health benefits, but its association with lung function in childhood and adolescence is not well understood.

31 Jul 2019

NIH-funded study supports optimal threshold for diagnosing COPD

A new study provides evidence to support a simple measurement for diagnosing clinically significant airflow obstruction, the key characteristic of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

26 Jun 2019

Home-based pulmonary function monitoring for teens with Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Heart and lung complications are responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

18 Dec 2018

Middle-aged adults with lung disease may have greater risk of dementia later in life

Middle-aged adults with lung disease may be at greater risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life, according to new research published online in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

26 Nov 2018

Physical activity linked with better lung function in smokers, regardless of air pollution levels

Regular physical activity is associated with better lung function among current smokers in European cities, regardless of air pollution levels.

11 Oct 2018

Solid fuel use linked with increased risk of hospitalization or death from respiratory diseases

Burning wood or coal to cook food is associated with increased risk of hospitalization or dying from respiratory diseases, according to new research conducted in China and published online in the American Thoracic Society’s American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

25 Sep 2018

Paracetamol use in infancy may increase risk of developing asthma by the age of 18

Children who take paracetamol during their first two years of life may be at a higher risk of developing asthma by the age of 18, especially if they have a particular genetic makeup, according to new research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress today.

17 Sep 2018

Early childhood growth patterns affect respiratory health

Children's growth in the first three years of life affects the development of their lungs and the risk of asthma at 10 years of age.

31 Aug 2018

Quitting cigarettes linked to better lung health than long-term light smoking

Long-term light smokers appear to be at greater risk for lung function decline, emphysema and obstructive lung disease than heavy smokers who quit, according to new research presented at the ATS 2018 International Conference.

23 May 2018

Vitamin C consumption may reduce harm to baby's lungs due to smoking during pregnancy

Women who are unable to quit smoking during their pregnancy may reduce the harm smoking does to their baby's lungs by taking vitamin C, according to a new randomized, controlled trial presented at the ATS 2018 International Conference.

22 May 2018

Flavonoid intake may reduce lung function decline that occurs with aging

A type of flavonoid found in dark-pigmented fruits like red grapes and blueberries may slow the lung function decline that occurs with aging, according to new research presented at the ATS 2018 International Conference.

21 May 2018

FRESH AIR project to address growing burden of chronic lung diseases

Non-communicable, chronic lung diseases are a major burden on health worldwide. About 80 million people suffer from COPD globally and a further 300 million are affected by asthma.

30 Apr 2018

Maternal smoking during pregnancy contributes to asthma severity and poor lung function in kids

A new study published in the journal CHEST highlights the burden of obstructive lung disease in US children and implicates tobacco smoke exposure through maternal smoking during pregnancy as more strongly associated with worse lung function than current, ongoing TSE in school-aged children with asthma.

5 Mar 2018

FeNO test may be helpful tool that aids in asthma diagnosis

Although about 24 million Americans are diagnosed with asthma every year, there is no single test that can diagnose the disease. Common symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and cough, are relatively nonspecific, and physicians may use multiple tests and observations to reach an accurate diagnosis.

21 Dec 2017

Diet rich in tomatoes and apples may help restore lung damage caused by smoking

A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found the natural decline in lung function over a 10-year period was slower among former smokers with a diet high in tomatoes and fruits, especially apples, suggesting certain components in these foods might help restore lung damage caused by smoking.