The European Respiratory Society is committed to raising the profile of respiratory health and disease by increasing public awareness via the press and media.
We issue press releases on the most significant findings from ERS publications to correspond with their publication online.
All our press releases are embargoed until the day the article appears online. The embargo date and time will be clearly stated on the press release. Journalists are welcome to contact authors using the details on the press release; however we ask that the material is not published or broadcasted until the embargo lifts.
We are happy for authors or their organisations to issue their own press releases. Please contact the ERS press office with a draft press release in advance so that we can coordinate publicity.
To be added to the mailing list to receive press releases, or for further information, please contact the Press Office:
Telephone: +44 114 2672 866
Email: press@ersnet.org
September 2021
Study shows increases in smoking and vaping in Irish teens
For the first time in 25 years, rates of smoking among teenage boys in Ireland are increasing, according to a study published in ERJ Open Research. The study also shows that rates of vaping among teenagers have risen in the last four years and that teenagers who use e-cigarettes are more likely to smoke. The researchers say their findings indicate that Ireland will not meet its targets to reduce smoking rates and they add to evidence that vaping could be promoting a new generation of young people addicted to nicotine.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00438-2021
July 2021
More exercise and fewer hours watching TV cuts sleep apnoea risk
Being more physically active and spending fewer hours per day sitting watching TV is linked to a substantially lower risk of developing obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. It is the first study to simultaneously evaluate physical activity and sedentary behaviour in relation to OSA risk.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00606-2021
May 2021
COVID-19 infections were high among hospital staff but re-infection rates are very low
A study of healthcare workers shows they were three times more likely to become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general population. Around one in five of workers who were infected were asymptomatic and unaware they had COVID-19. The study published in ERJ Open Research also shows that it was not only frontline staff who faced the higher risk, suggesting that there was transmission between staff and within the wider community. However, healthcare workers who had been infected were very unlikely to contract COVID-19 a second time in the following six months.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00080-2021
March 2021
Study suggests wearing a face mask during intense exercise is safe for healthy people
Wearing a protective face mask has only a modest effect on the ability of healthy people to do vigorous exercise, according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal. Researchers carried out detailed testing on breathing, heart activity and exercise performance in a group of 12 people while they were using an exercise bike with and without a mask. Although they found differences in some measurements between wearing a mask and not wearing a mask, they say that none of their results indicate any risk to health. This suggests that masks could be worn safely during intense exercise, for example to reduce COVID-19 transmission between people visiting an indoor gym.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.04473-2020
October 2020
Study shows COVID-19 risk to firefighters and emergency medical workers in New York City
Firefighters and emergency medical workers in New York City were 15 times more likely to be infected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general public, according to a study published in ERJ Open Research. The study, which includes almost all the 15,000 front-line workers at the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), also shows that workers who had been experiencing a deterioration in their lung health prior to the pandemic were more likely to suffer a severe COVID-19 infection. Researchers say their study supports the proper use of PPE and other measures to protect emergency workers around the world and maintain capacity of emergency services during any subsequent waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00610-2020
August 2020
Study of nose and throat reveals why people with COVID-19 may lose their sense of smell
Researchers studying tissue removed from patients noses during surgery believe they may have discovered the reason why so many people with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell, even when they have no other symptoms. In their experiments they found extremely high levels of angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE-2) only in the area of the nose responsible for smelling, which is thought to be the 'entry point' that allows coronavirus to get into the cells of the body and cause an infection. The researchers say their findings offer clues as to why COVID-19 is so infectious and suggest that targeting this part of the body could potentially offer more effective treatments.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01948-2020
July 2020
Newer therapy recommended for treatment-refractory MAC pulmonary infection
A newer therapy that acts like a Trojan horse to attack bacteria should be reserved for patients with certain treatment-refractory lung infections, according to updated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary disease guidelines developed by the European Respiratory Society (ERS), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (ESCMID). The guidelines are published in the European Respiratory Journal and Clinical Infectious Diseases.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00535-2020
Asthma and allergies more common in teens who stay up late
Teenagers who prefer to stay up late and wake later in the morning are more likely to suffer with asthma and allergies compared to those who sleep and wake earlier, according to a study published in ERJ Open Research. Researchers say the study reinforces the importance of sleep timing for teenagers and opens up a new channel of research in to how sleep affects teenagers’ respiratory health.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00226-2020 / https://openres.ersjournals.com/content/6/2/00226-2020
May 2020
Smoking, nicotine and children: exposing the tobacco industry’s tactics
Ahead of World No Tobacco Day (31 May 2020) the European Respiratory Society’s (ERS) Tobacco Control Committee has issued an editorial attacking the tobacco industry’s tactics for marketing addictive nicotine products to children and young people. It gathers evidence from scientific research as well as the tobacco industry’s own documents to highlight the harms caused by nicotine to health, and it exposes how the industry gets around advertising bans to target young people.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01633-2020
April 2020
Cost-effective canopy protects health workers from COVID infection during ventilation
Researchers have designed a cost-effective, constant flow plastic canopy system that can help to protect healthcare workers who are at risk of airborne coronavirus infection while delivering non-invasive ventilation or oxygen via high flow nasal cannula, according to a research letter published in the European Respiratory Journal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01017-2020
Low-cost, easy-to-build ventilator performs similarly to high-quality commercial device
A low-cost, easy-to-build non-invasive ventilator aimed at supporting the breathing of patients with respiratory failure performs similarly to conventional commercial devices, according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The research paper provides a free to replicate, open source description for how to build the ventilator. The researchers say the prototype ventilator could support treatment of coronavirus and other severe respiratory diseases in low income regions or where ventilator supplies are limited.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00846-2020
Higher levels of coronavirus 'entry point' enzyme in lungs of COPD patients and smokers
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and people who currently smoke may have higher levels of a molecule, called angiotensin converting enzyme II (ACE-2), in their lungs according to a study published in the European Respiratory Journal. Previous research shows that ACE-2, which sits on the surface of lung cells, is the ‘entry point’ that allows coronavirus to get into the cells of the lungs and cause an infection. The new study also shows that levels of ACE-2 in former smokers is lower than in current smokers.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00688-2020
Newborns infected with COVID-19 in China experienced mild symptoms
Researchers have identified a total of four cases of newborn babies with COVID-19 infection in China. In all cases the babies experienced only mild symptoms with none requiring intensive care or mechanical ventilation according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The study was carried out by a team at Wuhan University in China, who report that all four babies were born to mothers with COVID-19 and all were delivered by caesarean section. Three were separated from their mothers at birth. The researchers say the rapid spread of the infection may mean there are other cases of newborns with COVID-19 that they were not able to track down.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00697-2020
March 2020
High levels of iron in the lung linked to increased asthma severity
Iron build-up in the lung cells and tissues is associated with worse asthma symptoms and lower lung function, according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The researchers say that the study, which includes data from asthma patient samples and mouse models, is the first to definitively show a relationship between iron build-up in the lung cells and tissues and the severity of asthma. Experimental models also showed that iron build-up in the lungs triggers immune system responses that are typical in asthma and lead to worsening of the disease.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01340-2019
December 2019
E-cigarette user found to have rare form of lung scarring typically found in metal workers
Researchers studying a patient with a rare lung disease called hard-metal pneumoconiosis say the disease was probably caused by vaping. The researchers say the case history, published in the European Respiratory Journal, is the first known case where the disease has been linked to vaping.
In an editorial in the same edition of the journal, the ERS Tobacco Control Committee explain why they do not recommend e-cigarettes as an aid to quitting smoking.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01922-2019; https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02009-2019
November 2019
Uncontrolled asthma attacks during pregnancy increase health risks for mothers and babies
Women with asthma who suffer severe symptoms while they are pregnant face higher risks of health problems both for themselves and their babies compared to women with well-controlled asthma, according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The study includes data on more than 100,000 pregnancies, and it showed that women with asthma who experienced severe symptoms were more likely to suffer with pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01335-2019
COPD death rates are falling in many countries but the total number of deaths is increasing
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) death rates fell in most countries between 1995 and 2017, but the total number of COPD deaths increased in many countries over the past 20 years, according to a new international analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) data. The analysis includes data from countries not previously assessed for COPD mortality rate, and it suggests that measures to reduce exposure to risk factors for COPD, such as tobacco control policies and declining poverty, are having a positive effect on reducing overall COPD death rates.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01791-2019
October 2019
Study provides first evidence that fat accumulates in the lungs of overweight and obese people
Researchers have shown for the first time that fatty tissue accumulates in the airway walls, particularly in people who are overweight or obese. Scientists already know that people who are overweight or obese are more likely to suffer with wheezing and asthma, but the reasons for this have not been completely explained. The new study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that this fatty tissue alters the structure of people's airways and this could be one reason behind the increased risk of asthma.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00857-2019
July 2019
Air pollution speeds up aging of the lungs and increases chronic lung disease risk
A study of more than 300,000 people has found that exposure to outdoor air pollution is linked to decreased lung function and an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Lung function normally declines as we age, but the new research published in the European Respiratory Journal suggests that air pollution may contribute to the ageing process, and adds to the evidence that breathing in polluted air harms the lungs.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02140-2018
June 2019
Breathing in black carbon from polluted air linked to alterations in lung blood vessels
Evidence that breathing in tiny particles of black carbon, typically a result of burning diesel, is linked to an increased volume of peripheral, smaller blood vessels in the lungs has been observed for the first time in new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The researchers say the differences observed in people exposed to higher levels of black carbon were comparable in magnitude to those associated with smoking a pack of cigarettes a day for 15 years.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02116-2018
May 2019
Women with sleep apnea are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men
A study of more than 19,000 people has found that women with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than men with the condition, according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The new study suggests that people who experience more closures of the airways during sleep and whose blood oxygen saturation levels drop below 90% more frequently are more likely to be diagnosed with cancer than people without OSA. It also found that cancer was more prevalent among women with OSA than men, even after factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and alcohol consumption were taken into account, suggesting women with OSA may be at greater risk of being diagnosed with cancer than men with OSA.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00091-2019
April 2019
Common virus linked to faster disease progression in cystic fibrosis
A new study has found that cystic fibrosis patients who have a common virus may experience faster disease progression than patients who do not have the virus. Signs of faster cystic fibrosis disease progression included earlier times to lung transplant referral and reaching the final stages of the disease.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01727-2018
March 2019
Large study suggests painkillers taken during pregnancy are not a cause of asthma in children
A study of almost 500,000 women indicates that taking paracetamol or other painkillers during pregnancy is not responsible for increasing the risk of asthma in children. The research, which uses prescription data on painkillers, does support earlier findings that women taking paracetamol during pregnancy are more likely to have children who develop asthma. However, it also suggests that the painkillers are not the cause of this increase.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01090-2018
Study of young athletes suggests snoring and sleep apnea are linked to sudden cardiac death
A study of university rugby players has shown that they are more likely to suffer sleep disordered breathing than an average middle-aged man. The study also showed that athletes who experience this problem are also more likely to have low levels of oxygen in their blood and higher pulse rates during the night, suggesting that athletes with sleep disordered breathing may be at risk of heart abnormalities.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00029-2019
February 2019
New heated tobacco device causes same damage to lung cells as e-cigs and smoking
A new study that directly compares new heated tobacco devices with vaping and traditional cigarettes shows that all three are toxic to human lung cells. The study published in ERJ Open Research suggests that the new device, which heats solid tobacco instead of an e-liquid, is no less toxic to the cells than ordinary cigarette smoke. Researchers say the study adds to evidence that these newer electronic nicotine delivery devices may not be a safer substitute for cigarette smoking.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00159-2018
December 2018
Baby's first cold can last longer depending on nose-dwelling bacteria
New research on the types of bacteria living in babies' noses could offer clues as to why some recover quickly from their first cough or cold, while others suffer for longer. The study, published in ERJ Open Research, suggests that babies who have a wide variety of different bacteria living in their noses tend to recover more quickly from their first respiratory virus, compared to those who have less variety and more bacteria from either the Moraxellaceae or Streptococcaceae family.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00066-2018
November 2018
Electronic cigarette marketing and smoking behaviour in adolescence: a cross-sectional study
The more often adolescents say they have seen adverts for e-cigarettes, the more often they use both e-cigarettes and smoke tobacco cigarettes, according to a study published in ERJ Open Research. Researchers say their work provides evidence that children and teenagers should be protected from the potential harms of smoking and using e-cigarettes by a comprehensive ban on adverts and promotions.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00155-2018
Treating COPD patients for anxiety using CBT reduces hospital visits and is cost-effective
Cognitive behavioural therapy delivered by respiratory nurses is cost-effective and reduces anxiety symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, according to research published in ERJ Open Research. Researchers found that CBT, delivered by respiratory nurses, was more effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in COPD patients compared to using anxiety management leaflets alone, and that this resulted in an average saving of £1,089 for hospital admissions and £63 for emergency room attendances.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00094-2018
October 2018
Pneumonia-causing bacteria can be spread by nose picking and rubbing
Pneumonia-causing bacteria can be spread through picking and rubbing the nose, according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The study found that bacteria can spread at the same rate whether it is dry or wet, and at the same rate when a person picks or pokes their nose as when they rub their nose. The results suggest that ensuring good hand hygiene and keeping toys clean could help to protect young children from catching and spreading the bacteria on to other children and their elderly relatives, who may be more susceptible to infection.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00599-2018
July 2018
Healthy diet reduces asthma symptoms
People who eat a healthy diet experience fewer asthma symptoms and better control of their condition. The study strengthens the evidence on the role of a healthy diet in managing asthma symptoms, and offers new insights on the potential impact of diet in the prevention of asthma in adults.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02572-2017
Sleep disorder linked with changes to brain structure typical of dementia
Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is associated with changes to the structure of the brain that are also seen in the early stages of dementia. The researchers say the study provides evidence that screening older people for OSA and giving treatment where needed could help prevent dementia in this population.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00740-2018
May 2018
Ban e-cig flavors and misleading adverts to protect youth, says global respiratory group
In a statement published in the European Respiratory Journal, a coalition of respiratory doctors and scientists from six continents have warned of the dangers posed to children and adolescents by electronic cigarettes.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00278-2018
April 2018
More evidence shows exposure to traffic and outdoor air pollution increases risk of asthma
Long-term exposure to high levels of road traffic and ozone significantly increases the risk of asthma symptoms, asthma attacks or the need for use of asthma medications. This new study strengthens the evidence on the link between long-term exposure to outdoor pollution and asthma in adults.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02036-2017
March 2018
Flu and pneumonia infections increase risk of having a heart attack and stroke
People who have had flu or pneumonia may be six times more likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke in the days after infection, according to new research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The research, funded by the Academy of Medical Sciences, is the largest study to look at the risk of heart attacks and strokes due to specific respiratory infections. It found that several different organisms that cause respiratory infections also increase heart attack and stroke risk, including S. pneumoniae bacteria and influenza.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01794-2017
February 2018
First global estimate finds 1.8 million young people develop TB every year
A total of 1.8 million young people between ten and 24 years of age are estimated to develop tuberculosis (TB) every year, with young adults aged 20 to 24 years at the greatest risk of developing infectious TB, according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal. The study provides the first ever global estimate of TB rates among people in this age bracket. Previous estimates categorised those aged up to 14 years as children and anyone aged 15 years and over as adults, resulting in a gap in our understanding of the scale of TB burden among young people.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02352-2017
Asthma linked to infertility but not among women taking regular asthma preventers
Women with asthma who only use short-acting asthma relievers take longer to become pregnant than other women, according to research published in the European Respiratory Journal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02035-2017
Research suggests vapers are vulnerable to pneumonia
The vapour from e-cigarettes seems to help pneumonia-causing bacteria stick to the cells that line the airways. The study included experiments with cells, mice and humans. It showed that e-cigarette vapour had an effect similar to the reported effects of traditional cigarette smoke or particulate matter from fossil-fuel pollution, both of which are known to increase susceptibility to lung infection with pneumococcal bacteria.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01592-2017
January 2018
Fitness in childhood linked to healthy lungs in adulthood
Children who are fitter and whose fitness improves during childhood and adolescence have better lung function as young adults, according to a large study published in the European Respiratory Journal.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.01374-2017
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This page was updated on 22 July, 2021