Gene Therapy To Prevent Progression Of Emphysema Discovered By Researchers: “Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have discovered a new gene therapy that may prevent the progression of emphysema. The study, which appears on-line in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, describes a method to express therapeutic genes in lung tissue for a lifetime after only a single treatment…”
Pleurisy, also known as pleuritis, is a condition that results from the swelling of the linings of the lungs and chest. The pleural cavity (area between lungs and inner chest wall) is created by two lubricated surfaces called pleura, the inner pleura lining the lungs and the outer lining the chest wall. A variety of factors can cause the pleura to become inflamed and rub against one another, rather than slide smoothly, as one breathes.
What causes pleurisy?
Pleurisy is a common complication of several different medical conditions, the most pervasive being a viral infection of the lower respiratory system.
Other causes include:
Bacterial infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis
A chest wound that punctured the pleural cavity
A pleural tumor
Autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
Sickle cell anemia
Pancreatitis
Pulmonary embolism
A heart surgery complication
Lung cancer or lymphoma
A fungal or parasitic infection
Familial Mediterranean fever
Infections can sometimes spread from person to person, but it is rare to “catch” pleurisy.
Sourced from: Respiratory / Asthma News From Medical News Today
Stephania Cormier, PhD, Associate Professor of Pharmacology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, has shown for the first time that early exposure to environmentally persistent free radicals (present in airborne ultrafine particulate matter) affects long-term lung function.
Sourced from: Respiratory / Asthma News From Medical News Today
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) can have a significantly beneficial effect in patients with severe emphysema, according to the first ever study to randomize emphysema patients to receive either LVRS or non-surgical medical care.
Sourced from: Respiratory / Asthma News From Medical News Today
‘Kids With Asthma’ Hit The Web: “A new interactive, kid-friendly website: http://www.kidswithasthma.com.au has been launched by the National Asthma Council Australia to give kids with asthma and their parents the low down on all-things asthma-related, including basic facts, diagnosis, asthma medications, management and FAQs.”
