A study using computational modeling finds that CPAP does not adversely affect airflow velocity or cause harmful levels of shear stress on lung tissues.  RT’s Three Key Takeaways: The University of Technology Sydney’s study finds that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is safe for the entire respiratory system, causing no adverse effects on airflow velocity or lung tissues. By using advanced computational fluid dynamics, researchers analyzed CPAP’s impact on the entire respiratory tract. The study analyzed parameters like airway pressure, airflow velocity, and shear stres ..read more

A Cochrane review examines multiple studies to evaluate the effectiveness of zinc supplements in preventing and treating the common cold. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  The Cochrane review found low-certainty evidence that zinc supplements may reduce the duration of cold symptoms by about two days. Common side effects associated with zinc use include bowel problems, nausea, and an unpleasant taste, prompting researchers to advise caution. The review found no clear evidence that zinc taken preventatively reduces the likelihood of catching a cold or impacts the severity of symptoms. A new Coc ..read more

Starting extended-release naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment improves success rates for opioid addiction compared to the standard 10-15 days, but requires closer medical supervision. RT’s Key Takeaways:  Starting extended-release, injectable naltrexone within five to seven days of seeking treatment is more effective for opioid addiction than the standard 10 to 15 day approach. The rapid protocol led to a higher percentage of patients receiving their first naltrexone injection (62.7%) compared to the standard protocol (35.8%). The faster treatment procedure requires ..read more

The CDC recommends PPE distribution to workers on dairy farms, poultry farms, and in slaughterhouses to safeguard against avian influenza. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  Nirav D. Shah, the principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), convened a meeting with state health officials and stakeholders to address farmworker protection amid the threat of avian influenza. Shah urged jurisdictions to prioritize the distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE) to dairy farms, poultry facilities, and slaughterhouses, particularly those with confirmed cases o ..read more

Pollutants from gas stoves rapidly infiltrate bedrooms, posing health risks even hours after cooking has stopped. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: A new study highlights that nitrogen dioxide levels in bedrooms exceed safe health benchmarks within an hour of using gas stoves, demonstrating how quickly and extensively indoor air can become polluted even outside the kitchen. Even after the gas stove is turned off, high levels of pollutants remain in the air for several hours, indicating that the impact of gas stove use on air quality is both immediate and enduring. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide from ga ..read more

A new study demonstrates that extending CPAP therapy for premature infants who are doing well by two weeks enhances lung health. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  A study presented at the Pediatric Academies Societies 2024 Meeting demonstrates that adding two weeks to CPAP treatment significantly improves lung volume and diffusion capacity in premature infants who are doing well. The findings underscore the potential of extending CPAP therapy as a non-pharmaceutical approach to enhancing lung function in preterm infants. The results provide insights for healthcare providers, suggesting that ext ..read more

Available over-the-counter, Dream Sock is designed for routine in-home monitoring of oxygen saturation and pulse rate in infants. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  Dream Sock is designed to monitor infants’ oxygen saturation and pulse rate, providing caregivers with real-time insights into their child’s well-being through the Owlet Dream app. Owlet Inc’s Dream Sock has received medical device certification from the European Union, allowing the company to market and distribute the device across Europe. Following its approval, Owlet plans to launch the Dream Sock in Germany, France, and the Unite ..read more

A new case report sheds light on the first documented transmission of bird flu from cow to human. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: The case involved a dairy farm worker in Texas who contracted the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1), or bird flu, from close interaction with infected cattle on the farm. Symptoms initially manifested as pinkeye in the worker’s right eye. Medical evaluations of the affected worker revealed a subconjunctival hemorrhage and serous drainage in the right eye, but no respiratory symptoms. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of the same strain of bird flu circ ..read more

By Martha Bebinger, WBUR May 6, 2024 Miguel Divo, a lung specialist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, sits in an exam room across from Joel Rubinstein, who has asthma. Rubinstein, a retired psychiatrist, is about to get a checkup and hear a surprising pitch — for the planet, as well as his health. Divo explains that boot-shaped inhalers, which represent nearly 90% of the U.S. market for asthma medication, save lives but also contribute to climate change. Each puff from an inhaler releases a hydrofluorocarbon gas that is 1,430 to 3,000 times as powerful as the most commonly known green ..read more

With the clearance, Stork is available for at-home monitoring of oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and skin temperature in babies without a prescription. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  Masimo’s Stork baby monitoring system has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA, making it available to parents or caregivers without a prescription. Stork is designed for use with healthy babies aged 0-18 months, offering monitoring capabilities to enhance safety and peace of mind for caregivers. Stork monitors key vitals, including oxygen saturation level, pulse rate, and skin temperature. Masimo announced th ..read more