Respiratory News

Vit D in newborns predict infection

The vitamin D levels of newborn babies appear to predict their risk of respiratory infections during infancy and the occurrence of wheezing during early childhood.

Pneumonia, the silent killer

Approximately two million children die from pneumonia each year, accounting for almost 1 out of 5 children under-5 deaths worldwide.

9/11 lung problems linger

Almost a quarter of a sample of people exposed to toxic dust after the September 11, 2001, terror attack in New York City still suffer from diminished lung capacity.

Few drinks may help lungs

When it comes to your lungs, a couple of drinks a day may help keep the doctor away, researchers report.

50% increase in mining silicosis

There has been an "alarming" increase over the past year in the deadly dust disease silicosis among workers on South Africa's gold and platinum mines, MPs heard on Wednesday.

Antibiotics over prescribed

GPs are unnecessarily giving patients antibiotics for respiratory tract (RT) infections which would clear up on their own, a study has shown.

Water fountains spread disease

A decorative water fountain located in the lobby of a restaurant has been identified as the source of Legionnaires' disease among restaurant patrons.

Better view inside lungs

New imaging techniques that provide a closer look inside lungs may improve early detection of diseases, such as emphysema, researchers say.

Morphine for that cough?

Low-dose, slow-release morphine can give chronic coughers substantial relief, according to a new British study.

Sars cats back on menu

Even though the civet cat is a suspected cause of the deadly Sars outbreak a few years ago, it's showing up again on menus at some restaurants in southern China.