COPD DEMANDS ATTENTION AND ACTION

An international survey of 16 high income countries has identified chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as an important health problem, due mainly to its high prevalence and the heavy demand placed by patients on healthcare services. Data from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey on over 18 000 people were analysed and showed that a considerable percentage already suffered from the disease. Respiratory infections in childhood and low socioeconomic class were significantly associated with increased risk, as were environmental tobacco smoke and occupational exposure to vapours, gas, dust, or fumes. (

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REVERSE CAUSATION IN EARLY ANTIBIOTIC PRESCRIPTION

The reported association between childhood antibiotic use and asthma could be attributable to the tendency for prescriptions to be written for the early manifestations of the disease. Researchers performed a retrospective cohort study, examining medical records and rates of self reported asthma and hay fever in almost 750 people. A significant association was found between antibiotic use and asthma, but was largely confined to …