The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of the Air” report highlights record spikes in particle pollution. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: The “State of the Air” 2024 report by the American Lung Association finds that people in the United States experienced the most days with “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality due to particle pollution in the past 25 years. The report reveals that 131 million people, or 39% of the US population, live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to data from 2020-2022. Nearly 4 in 10 people in the US live in an area that received a failin ..read more

The nasal spray, available at pharmacies without a prescription, is designed to counteract opioid overdoses. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc has received FDA approval for its over-the-counter naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, a generic equivalent to Narcan. The nasal spray is intended to help treat drug overdoses from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications, by providing emergency intervention. Amneal plans to increase its production capacity to up to 4 million two-packs by the end of 2024 and up to 10 million by the end of 2025. Amneal ..read more

A new study found that youth with no prior tobacco use who used social media daily were 67% more likely to begin smoking after one year. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  Youth with no prior tobacco use who engaged daily with social media were found to be 67% more likely to start using tobacco products within a year compared to those who used these platforms less frequently. Young people who actively liked or followed tobacco-related content on social media platforms showed an even greater likelihood of initiating tobacco use, highlighting the potent role of direct engagement with tobacco brand ..read more

Christine Lind assumed the role of CEO of Bactiguard AB on April 12, 2024, according to the company’s board. Bactiguard manufactures of airway management products, including the BIP Endotracheal Tube and the BIP Endotracheal Tube Evac, which feature a beveled tip, Murphy Eye, high volume-low pressure cuff, and subglottic secretion drainage. “It feels fantastic having Christine assuming the role as our new CEO already today. Bactiguard has sharpened its strategy and implemented tough but necessary changes in the work towards becoming a specialist and knowledge organization. Christine’s experien ..read more

The popularity of Zyn nicotine pouches has skyrocketed among teens and young adults, driven primarily by social media. The oral nicotine pouches, also known as snus, have shown utility as a smoking cessation aid for adults, but are pouches “packed with problems” for youth. RT’s Three Key Takeaways Zyn and other oral nicotine pouch use increased more than six-fold from 2019 to 2022.2 The nicotine pouches may help adult smokers quit but they may encourage youth to start using nicotine.3 Social media “zynfluencers” are promoting daily use of the products on TikTok, demonstrating how th ..read more

Scientists at UC San Francisco have identified cells in the throat that sense when fluid is aspirated or acid is regurgitated. The work could one day help prevent pneumonia and treat chronic cough. RT’s Three Key Takeaways UC San Francisco scientists have identified a rare type of cell that is crucial for initiating the coughing reflex when water or acid mistakenly enters the airways instead of the gut. These cells detect the presence of these irritants and release chemical messengers that activate nerves leading to the brain, triggering a cough reflex to protect the lungs. Researchers say th ..read more

Baxter International Inc has expanded its US pharmaceuticals portfolio by launching five injectable drugs, including Vancomycin to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Baxter US Pharmaceutical Launches Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 5% Dextrose Injection in a new 16 mg/250 mL strength, which is indicated to raise blood pressure in adult patients with severe, acute hypotension. Baxter offers the first and only FDA-approved ready-to-use Norepinephrine in Dextrose, and now provides Norepinephrine in 4 mg/250 mL, 8 mg/250 mL and 16 mg/250 mL strengths. Vasopressin in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Inje ..read more

The United Kingdom’s proposed bill to outlaw the sale of cigarettes to any citizen born after 2008 passed its first vote in the British Parliament on April 16th. According to Reuters, the bill passed a preliminary vote (383 to 67) and will continue through the legislative process, including potential amendments. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill will address “the single biggest entirely preventable cause of ill-health, disability and death,” he said via Reuters. Reuters also noted that a similar cigarette law in New Zealand was prevented from going into effect earlier ..read more

Flexicare is reporting the results of two independent studies that found its Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter was one of only two peak flow devices (out of 12 devices tested) that met the ISO 23747 measuring “standards of accuracy” and “successfully met all performance evaluation criteria.”1-2 Mini-Wright is the only mechanical Peak Flow Meter that meets all required accuracy standards, according to the company.1,2 Mini-Wright peak flow meters (PFMs) are the ‘Gold Standard’ imperative device for Health Care Professionals to accurately measure, diagnose and manage expiratory flow rate in respiratory ..read more

The COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium’s statement provides recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory illnesses in health care settings and home environments.   RT’s Three Key Takeaways: The COPD Foundation Nebulizer Consortium has released guidance aimed at ensuring the safe use of nebulized therapies in both health care settings and home environments.  This guidance addresses the need for strict safety protocols to minimize the risk of transmitting respiratory pathogens among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. The recommendations were formulated ..read more