Browsing: Respiratory

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and a transformative figure in the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88.

Managing childhood asthma can feel like guesswork. But a breakthrough nasal swab test from the University of Pittsburgh may soon change that – offering personalised care based on asthma subtypes for better treatment. What does this mean for Southeast Asia, where the condition affects millions and diagnostic resources are often limited?

Taal Volcano, located in Batangas, Philippines, continues to exhibit significant volcanic activity. During its latest explosive episode, it emitted a substantial amount of sulphur dioxide (SO₂). The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the volcano released approximately 3,300 metric tonnes of sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere. This recent activity has raised concerns among local authorities and residents, prompting the issuance of safety advisories.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate tobacco products.  This includes heated and novel products like vapes. The decision has been hailed a victory for public health, particularly for its potential to mitigate the harmful effects of tobacco consumption in the Philippines.

The Bediding phenomenon hit the southern region of Java, bringing extreme cold temperatures that impact human health.  Bediding is a seasonal phenomenon that occurs at the beginning of the dry season. The term itself comes from the Javanese word “Bedhidhing’. The air temperature becomes very cold from night to morning, while the temperature soars to strong heat during the day. Due to the drastic temperature change, it triggers hypothermia and respiratory illnesses in some people.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has announced that online sales of vape products will be suspended starting 20 July 2024. This action is a decisive move aimed at bolstering public health and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. It is part of an effort to address concerns over the accessibility of these products to minors and to enforce controls on their distribution. 

The Department of Health (DOH) advocates for all Filipinos to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emphasising its critical role in saving lives during emergencies. This appeal comes as the DOH highlights the urgent need for widespread CPR knowledge among the general public.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses significant health risks for senior citizens, particularly those with weakened immune systems. According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, president of the Philippine College of Physicians, RSV can lead to severe respiratory infections, especially in older adults. During a media panel in Taguig City, he emphasised that one out of three elderly patients hospitalised due to RSV may die within a year after discharge. This alarming statistic underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.

Jakarta, a bustling metropolis marking its 497th anniversary, was overshadowed by a pressing concern: its deteriorating air quality. 

On June 8, 2024, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a significant rise in sulfur dioxide emissions from Kanlaon Volcano, reaching 4,397 tons per day. This elevated level of emissions signals heightened volcanic activity, necessitating Alert Level 2. This warning highlights potential explosive eruptions and restricts access to the volcano’s 4-kilometer radius.