SleepApneaDisorder/ [  Press Release  ]/ Versailles, Ohio /October 17, 2011/ Sleep Apnea: A Growing Health Concern According to the National Institute  of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, an estimated 18 million Americans have  sleep apnea. However, few of them have had the problem diagnosed.

Sleep apnea is the repeated interruption of normal breathing during sleep.  Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of breathing-related sleep disorder. In patients with OSA, the airway collapses, temporarily restricting  airflow to the lungs. This partial airway obstruction causes the upper airway  tissue to vibrate and produce the sound of the classic snore.

As OSA develops, it has a cumulative effect, meaning that the longer the  disease goes untreated, the greater the negative side effects and associated  health risks. According to numerous  research studies, if sleep apnea remains untreated, other health conditions  may emerge or current health problems may worsen, including: Read the rest of this entry

One in five patients diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in the United States report symptoms for more than 2 years before diagnosis.

PAH is a progressive and fatal disorder, and the disease is often advanced when recognized, especially in younger patients.

Researchers from Intermountain Medical Center, the University of California, University of Pennsylvania, Baylor College of Medicine, Boston University, and Mayo Clinic studied 2,967 adult patients enrolled in the Registry to Evaluate Early Long-term PAH Disease Management (REVEAL), for an 18-month period. In 21.1% of patients, symptoms were experienced for more than two years before PAH was recognized.

History of obstructive airways disease and sleep apnea were independently associated with delayed PAH recognition.  Despite progress in understanding the cellular and genetic basis of PAH, researchers found that the onset of PAH before age 36 years was associated with the greatest likelihood of delayed disease recognition, especially in individuals with histories of common respiratory disorders. This article is published in the July issue of CHEST, the peer-reviewed journal of the American College of Chest Physicians: Chest. 2011;140(1):19-26.

NeuroTrials Research, an independent research organization in Atlanta devoted to investigational drug, medical device, consumer research and diagnostic testing, has been selected to conduct two new clinical research studies of an investigational sleep medication on the breathing function of participants with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) or Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Nationally recognized physicians and researchers founded NeuroTrials over a decade ago. NeuroTrials continues to attract important early phase- phase IV studies that impact the health and welfare of residents in Atlanta and nationwide. Over 24 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD and as many as 1 in 3 American men suffer from OSA. Read the rest of this entry

A study conducted in Las Vegas has found that of the 106 patients on which the CPAP mask was tried since February, 70 percent benefited, with medical officials reporting that the patients did not have to go on a mechanical ventilator.

“CPAP was highly effective in the treatment of dyspnea (difficult or labored breathing) associated with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, and pneumonia,” states a preliminary report written by Bledsoe and Johnson to the Southern Nevada Health District.

Those conditions generally see a fluid buildup in the lungs. CPAP’s continuous positive pressure of air, pushing the fluid back into the soft tissue, allows gas exchange to flow better and simplifies a patient’s ability to take a breath.

If the preliminary results of the Las Vegas study stay about the same for about 300 patients, it’s expected that the health district will require the CPAP on all emergency medical service vehicles in Southern Nevada. Read the rest of this entry

Reportlinker announces that a new market research report The Respiratory Diagnostic Devices Market Outlook to 2016 . This report covers the epidemiology of the key respiratory disorders forecasting this to 2016. The report then goes on to give in depth analysis of the major diagnostic technologies including: blood gas analyzers, pulse oximeters, spirometers, full spectrum testing equipment, and polysomnographs. For each of these technology types an overview is given of the leading players and their products.

SleepApneaDisorder/ [ Press release ]/ LYMAN, S.C., April  19, 2011 /- Southern Home Medical Equipment,  Inc. a Holding Company providing healthcare services,  healthcare professionals and equipment to medical institutions, announced today  that in response to the growing demand for specialized solutions for respiratory  therapy illnesses, Southern Home has launched its Respi-Care Respiratory Therapy  Program.  The program provides specialized treatment for Sleep Apnea,  bronchodilator therapy, tracheostomy care and other respiratory illnesses.

Respi-Care combines the expertise of certified respiratory therapists with  the latest in respiratory therapy equipment, patient assessment and education to  both the patient and health care staff.  The Respi-Care treatment program is provided to patients through  home health, skilled nursing and other facilities. Read the rest of this entry

If you have COPD, chronic asthma, lung disease or sleep apnea, you won’t want to miss Pulmonary Smackdown: Breathe Easier! a program to help you gain control over your symptoms.

The program features pulmonologists, respiratory therapists and experts in diet, exercise, sleep and pharmacy to help you to learn to breathe easier and sleep better.

The day includes a panel discussion, workshops, cooking and exercise demonstrations, plus a healthy lunch prepared by a chef and Registered Dietitian. Learn how you can breathe easier, sleep better and improve your strength and stamina. Read the rest of this entry

Buteyko Breathing is a comprehensive approach to living with a core set of breathing exercises that reverses hyperventilation or over-breathing. The idea is to return the breathing volume back to normal at around 5 liters of air/minute. According to their instructor, Greg Baker, CBE (Certified Buteyko Educator) of Buteyko Learning Company says the impacts on the body of over-breathing is quite similar to over-eating. When we eat more calories than our body needs it causes us to gain weight. The impact to the body is extensive with heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. It is the same with over-breathing or hyperventilation. Read the rest of this entry