Respiratory News

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.

Tests underway for deadly TB

Tests are being done on "a few" people in the Western Cape who might be suffering from a resistant form of tuberculosis (XDR-TB).

TB: Anyone can get it

Tuberculosis does not discriminate. Although the disease is linked to crowded living conditions and lower socio-economic status, any individual is potentially at risk.