Asthma 2015 Guidelines: The 2015 update of the Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention

The 2015 update of the Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention incorporates new scientific information about asthma based on a review of recent scientific literature by an international panel of experts on the GINA Science Committee. It is the first annual update of the document since a major revision was launched on World Asthma Day, May 6, 2014. This comprehensive and practical resource about one of the most common chronic lung diseases worldwide contains extensive citations from the scientific literature and forms the basis for other GINA documents and programs.

E-Cigs Have 10 times More Cancerogens Than Regular Cigarettes

A recent report from The Guardian reveals some extremely important news for people who are looking to quit smoking. Japanese scientists have recently announced that e-cigarettes contain 10 times the level of cancer-causing carcinogens than its counterpart in the tobacco world. At one time, e-cigarettes were touted as the answer to smoking without the complication of so many dangers.

The electronic nicotine products have increased in popularity with many believing that they are receiving a hit of nicotine without the health damage of a normal cigarette that is laden with chemicals.

However, the research commissioned by the Japanese Ministry of Health found formaldehyde and acetaldehyde carcinogens in the liquid produced by a number of e-cigarette products, a health ministry official stated.

The group also learned that e-cigarettes can fuel potentially life-threatening drug-resistant pathogens. This is based on lab study where they tested e-cigs vapor on live methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and human cells.

The formaldehyde carcinogen was found to be much more present in the e-cigarette liquids than in the chemicals used in regular cigarettes, according to the official.

Sarcoidosis: Seek Answers. Inspire Results

#Respiratorydecade supports April Sarcoidosis Awareness Month!!!
The CHEST Foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians and the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research have teamed up to launch Sarcoidosis: Seek Answers. Inspire Results. – a campaign that encourages people living with sarcoidosis to take a proactive role in their treatment plan. 

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease wherein the immune system goes into overdrive, causing cells to group together into clumps called granulomas. While more than 90 percent of cases affect the lungs and lymph nodes, sarcoidosis can affect any organ and interfere with the organ’s function. 

Because each sarcoidosis case is unique, it’s important to ask questions and follow a tailored treatment plan. If you are living with or caring for a loved one with sarcoidosis, we encourage you to download and discuss the following resources with your health-care team. 

World Allergy Week 2015

#Respiratorydecade happy to present World Allergy Week 2015!

Join us during World Allergy Week 2015 and increase awareness of Airway Allergies - A Human and Economic Burden.

Today the World Allergy Organization (WAO), together with its 95 national Member Societies, has launched World Allergy Week 2015. Through April 19, a variety of educational activities and media events hosted by professional allergy societies, patient advocacy groups, and other organizations around the world will stress the importance of understanding airway allergies to improve quality of life and reduce the socio-economic burden they cause.

“Allergic rhinitis and asthma are two common airway disorders that are increasing in prevalence worldwide,” said Dr Lanny Rosenwasser, President of the World Allergy Organization. “They often coexist, and treatments can address the symptoms of both disorders; but when uncontrolled they can pose a significant burden to patient, family, and society,” he said. 

“We are fortunate to be collaborating with individuals and organizations around the world who have expertise in the diseases associated with airway allergies,” said Prof. Motohiro Ebisawa, Chairperson of World Allergy Week 2015. “Their combined efforts will help raise awareness of the main airway allergies and how to understand their causes, symptoms, and methods of control, as part of a shared goal to reduce the overall global burden of allergic disease".

World Allergy Week 2015: AIRWAY ALLERGIES The human and economic burden from Juan C. Ivancevich

Internationally known airway allergy experts will address the topic of “Airway Allergies – The Human and Economic Burden” in a symposium-style conference call today at 9:00 a.m. EDT (New York) and another live call on Wednesday 15 April at 2:00 p.m. JST (Tokyo). For anyone interested in airway allergies, the calls will offer attendees the chance to ask questions to these leading experts. Toll-free call-in numbers from a variety of countries, as well as other details about the presentations, are listed at http://www.worldallergyweek.org.

Blue Lip Kiss challenge is raising awareness for pulmonary hypertension

Dear Respiratory Friends,

Respiratory Decade is supporting the Blue Lip Kiss challenge, initiated by Cordelia Skuldt! 

Cordelia Skuldt has had pulmonary hypertension since she was 4. She is here to challenge you today to take the Blue Lip Kiss challenge to raise awareness and money for this horrible disease.
Here are the steps you can take:

1. Take a photo of yourself with blue lips, and post it on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest and Instagram) using the #PHaware and #bluelipkiss. Lipstick is not necessary (you can draw blue lips on your photo or just make them out of blue paper). This is the part when you can get creative.

2. Nominate and challenge others to take this challenge.

3. To learn more about pulmonary hypertension, or to donate money, go to http://facebook.com/BlueLipKissforPH/

Please set your social networking post sharing to public so Cordelia can tally the numbers, and don't forget to add the #PHaware and #bluelipkiss hashtags!!

E-Cigarettes: Good or Bad??? New evidences from experts

Are E-Cigarettes a useful tool for smoking cessation or a gateway to further health risks? We heard from some of the experts at World Conference on Tobacco or HealthUnited Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, 17 - 21 March 2015!

Ways to reduce your cancer risk on World Cancer Day 2015

Today is a World Cancer Day 2015!
We are presenting 9 simple ways to reduce your cancer risk!