Respiratory

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is reporting a dramatic increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases, underscoring the importance of vaccination, particularly for young children and infants.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has caused severe illness in adults, especially among those aged 75 and older, but the burden of RSV-associated hospitalizations before vaccines were introduced is unclear.

Metformin, commonly prescribed for diabetes, may reduce the risks of exacerbation and hospitalization in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A newly published study recommends annual DXA screenings for patients in the first 2 years after lung transplants to monitor bone mineral density (BMD) changes.

Children with asthma, particularly those with an early onset, may experience slower memory development and face challenges in cognitive functions.

Researchers have developed a precision phenotyping algorithm that significantly advances the identification of long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), in patient records.

The FDA has announced it is proposing removing oral phenylephrine from the list of over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant ingredients due to extensive evidence questioning its effectiveness.

New research highlights the significant impact of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines in reducing severe respiratory illness among older adults, a group disproportionately affected by RSV.