Tag

Lung Disease

All articles tagged with #lung disease

California targets engineered stone ban as silicosis cases surge
health-and-safety5 days ago

California targets engineered stone ban as silicosis cases surge

California is moving to ban the manufacturing and installation of engineered stone, such as quartz countertops, after a sharp rise in fatal silicosis cases among workers. The state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board is expected to pass an emergency regulation in October, targeting materials with over 1% crystalline silica. This move follows a surge in cases from 31 in 2019 to 631 by mid-2026, disproportionately affecting male workers in Los Angeles County. The ban aims to prevent the inhalation of silica dust, which causes irreversible lung scarring and often requires lung transplants.

Winded by Stairs? What Breathlessness After Climbing Really Signals
health4 months ago

Winded by Stairs? What Breathlessness After Climbing Really Signals

Getting out of breath after climbing stairs can be a normal physiological response due to increased oxygen demand and the effort of lifting the body, but new or prolonged breathlessness isn’t something to ignore. If you recover quickly it’s usually not concerning; if recovery takes longer than a few minutes or you have chest pain, vision changes, or other worrisome symptoms, consult a doctor to rule out conditions like heart failure, COPD, anemia, or obesity. To improve stair-climbing endurance, gradually build strength and cardiovascular fitness and address any underlying conditions first.

Fresh scents, clean air: how to scent your home without indoor air pollution
wellbeing5 months ago

Fresh scents, clean air: how to scent your home without indoor air pollution

Experts warn that candles, diffusers and other scented products release VOCs and nanoparticles that can impair lung function and worsen respiratory issues; to minimize risk, choose fragrance products that are phthalate-free, ensure good ventilation, and consider safer, non-fragrance alternatives to keep your home feeling fresh without polluting the air.

Diane Ladd, Oscar-Nominated Actress and Mother of Laura Dern, Dies at 89
entertainment11 months ago

Diane Ladd, Oscar-Nominated Actress and Mother of Laura Dern, Dies at 89

Diane Ladd, a renowned actress with a career spanning over six decades and multiple Oscar nominations, has died at age 89 at her home in Ojai, California, with her daughter Laura Dern by her side. Her death follows her recent diagnosis with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the passing of her husband, raising questions about the impact of these losses. Ladd's legacy includes a diverse body of work in film and television, and she was celebrated for her versatility and depth as an actress.

Scientists Explore 'Butt Breathing' as a Potential Lung Treatment
health11 months ago

Scientists Explore 'Butt Breathing' as a Potential Lung Treatment

Scientists are exploring a novel 'butt breathing' technique, which involves delivering oxygen rectally, as a potential treatment for lung problems. Initial human trials have shown that the method is safe and well tolerated, paving the way for further research to assess its effectiveness in improving oxygen levels in patients with respiratory failure.

Younger People at Risk of Dangerous COPD
health1 year ago

Younger People at Risk of Dangerous COPD

A new study highlights that COPD can affect people under 50, with 4.5% of adults in this age group diagnosed, and that early onset COPD is linked to higher risks of hospitalization and death. Smoking remains the primary risk factor, but non-smokers can also develop COPD. Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking and vaccination, are crucial for managing the disease and improving outcomes.

Man Given One Year to Live After IPF Diagnosis: What You Need to Know
health1 year ago

Man Given One Year to Live After IPF Diagnosis: What You Need to Know

A 68-year-old man was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious and often underdiagnosed lung disease that causes lung scarring and difficulty breathing. Despite a grim prognosis, he underwent a lung transplant and has regained much of his lung capacity, highlighting the importance of early detection and awareness of symptoms like persistent dry cough and shortness of breath. IPF's cause remains unknown, and it primarily affects older adults, making awareness and prompt diagnosis crucial for better management.

Asymptomatic Dog Trainer Diagnosed with Terminal Lung Disease
health1 year ago

Asymptomatic Dog Trainer Diagnosed with Terminal Lung Disease

A healthy 68-year-old man with no symptoms was diagnosed with a severe lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and after a series of tests, underwent a successful double-lung transplant, which significantly improved his quality of life and allowed him to continue his passion for training therapy dogs, highlighting the importance of medical advancements and hope in treating terminal diseases.

Merck Acquires Verona Pharma for $10 Billion in Diversification Effort
business1 year ago

Merck Acquires Verona Pharma for $10 Billion in Diversification Effort

Merck is acquiring Verona Pharma for $10 billion to expand its portfolio with the lung-disease drug Ohtuvayre, aiming to diversify as its top-selling drug Keytruda faces patent expiration. The deal, Merck's largest since 2021, reflects its strategy to offset revenue decline from Keytruda and capitalize on promising COPD treatments, with analysts optimistic about Ohtuvayre's potential to become a multibillion-dollar therapy.

Rising Cases of Black Lung Linked to Popular Quartz Worktops
health1 year ago

Rising Cases of Black Lung Linked to Popular Quartz Worktops

Doctors are raising alarms about a rising epidemic of silicosis, a deadly lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust from cutting quartz countertops. The condition, which causes irreversible lung scarring, is increasingly affecting workers in the stone-cutting industry, particularly those handling engineered quartz with high silica content. Many cases are underdiagnosed, delaying critical treatment. The disease is incurable and can lead to severe health issues, including the need for lung transplants. Researchers emphasize the need for better workplace safety and early screening, especially for vulnerable immigrant workers.