How Weight Affects Respiratory Infections: Obesity, Underweight, Malnutrition and Pneumonia Risk
Respiratory health guide How Weight Affects Respiratory Infections: Obesity, Underweight, Malnutrition and Pneumonia Risk Body weight can influence immune defence, breathing mechanics, aspiration risk and recovery from respiratory infections. Risk may rise in people living with severe obesity as well as those who are underweight or malnourished. Obesity and immunity Lung reserve Aspiration risk Malnutrition […]
Impact of Reflux and Aspiration on Lung Disease: Mechanisms, Patterns of Injury, and Clinical Management
Reflux, aspiration and respiratory disease Impact of Reflux and Aspiration on Lung Disease: Mechanisms, Patterns of Injury, and Clinical Management Reflux and aspiration can contribute to cough, wheeze, recurrent infection and longer-term airway injury—even when heartburn is absent. Understanding the mechanism and pattern of lung damage is essential before deciding how it should be treated. […]
Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse and Recurrent Chest Infections
Central airway collapse and respiratory infection Excessive Dynamic Airway Collapse and Recurrent Chest Infections Excessive dynamic airway collapse can contribute to persistent cough, difficulty clearing sputum, breathlessness and recurrent respiratory infections. Diagnosis requires more than finding some airway narrowing: the collapse must be interpreted alongside the patient’s symptoms, functional impairment and dynamic airway tests. EDAC […]
Brensocatib: Is this breakthrough a Game-Changer for Bronchiectasis?
New bronchiectasis treatment Brensocatib: Is This Breakthrough a Game-Changer for Bronchiectasis? Brensocatib is the first licensed medicine designed specifically to target neutrophilic inflammation in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Here is what the clinical trials, regulatory approvals and current UK access position mean for patients. DPP1 inhibition ASPEN trial Exacerbation reduction FDA and MHRA approval NHS access […]
The Rise in Viral Respiratory Infections: Human Metapneumovirus
Seasonal respiratory viruses and specialist lung assessment The Rise in Viral Respiratory Infections: Human Metapneumovirus Human metapneumovirus can cause symptoms ranging from a mild cold to bronchiolitis, pneumonia or worsening of an existing lung condition. Although it has recently received greater public attention, hMPV is not a new virus. Understanding who is at risk, when […]
Bronchiectasis Consultation: Key Symptoms and Essential Information for Your Doctor
Preparing for a productive specialist respiratory appointment Bronchiectasis Consultation: What to Tell Your Doctor A bronchiectasis consultation is most useful when your specialist has a clear picture of your usual symptoms, recent changes, chest infections, sputum results, treatments and the effect of the condition on daily life. Preparing this information can help identify treatable problems […]
Navigating the Risks of Year-Round Respiratory Viruses
Understanding infection risk beyond the traditional winter season Navigating the Risks of Year-Round Respiratory Viruses Respiratory infections are often associated with autumn and winter, but viruses can circulate at any time of year. Influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and the many viruses that cause common colds each have different patterns. Travel, population behaviour, changing immunity […]
Nebulised Antibiotics in Non-CF Bronchiectasis
Long-term infection suppression in selected adults with bronchiectasis Nebulised Antibiotics in Non-CF Bronchiectasis Nebulised antibiotics deliver antimicrobial treatment directly into the airways. They may be considered for selected adults with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, particularly those with chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and frequent exacerbations despite optimised bronchiectasis care. Chronic Pseudomonas infection Colistimethate Gentamicin Other inhaled antibiotics […]
Pneumonia’s Varying Guises: From the Home to the ICU
Respiratory infection education • Pneumonia explained clearly Pneumonia’s Varying Guises: From the Home to the ICU Pneumonia is not one single condition. It can begin in the community, develop after hospital admission, or arise in the intensive care setting. The likely organisms, severity, treatment approach, and risk of multidrug resistance can differ substantially depending on […]
ESKAPE: Emerging Multi-Drug Resistant Pneumonia Pathogens!
Antimicrobial resistance and severe respiratory infection ESKAPE: Emerging Multi-Drug Resistant Pneumonia Pathogens! ESKAPE pathogens are a group of bacteria with a remarkable ability to survive antimicrobial treatment and spread in healthcare environments. Several can cause severe hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia, particularly in critically ill, immunocompromised or heavily treated patients. Antimicrobial resistance Hospital-acquired pneumonia Ventilator-associated pneumonia […]
Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Guide
Tuberculosis infection, diagnosis, prevention and treatment Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Guide Tuberculosis, commonly called TB, is an infectious disease caused by bacteria in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It most often affects the lungs but can involve almost any part of the body. TB is preventable and usually curable, but delayed diagnosis and drug resistance remain major […]
