Browsing: respiratory

Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been experiencing record-breaking heat. These recent extreme temperatures have led to heat stress-related consequences like agricultural disruptions and power outages. In South Vietnam, whole rice fields dried up. Additionally, schools were suspended in the Philippines after temperatures rose above 42 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, across Thailand, temperatures soared and broke records continuously for 13 months!

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Further, research also highlighted concerning trends, including the emergence of respiratory and cardiovascular issues from e-cigarette use. A recently published cohort study from Hebei province, China, provides pivotal evidence linking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and vaping. The study tracked over 10,000 healthy participants without prior respiratory conditions from 2015 to 2020. At the end of the study, the researchers found a 28% increase in the risk of respiratory symptoms. It also found a 8% increase in the risk of COPD in e-cigarette users. Additionally, dual users who use both e-cigarettes and conventional cigarettes had a 41% and 18% increased risk in respiratory symptoms and COPD risks. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence cautioning against the use of e-cigarettes and highlight the need for healthcare professionals and policymakers to reassess the role of vaping in smoking cessation strategies.

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Medical Channel Asia presents the weekly Asian medical news bulletin, bringing you essential healthcare news from across the region. This week’s bulletin covers the Philippines’ and Indonesia’s response to the rising respiratory cases in China, HIV in Malaysia and more. 

Recent data from the Jakarta Health Agency revealed an uptick in Acute Respiratory Infections (ISPA) post-pandemic cases. The agency reported approximately 146,000 ISPA cases monthly this year. Interestingly, while this is higher than the pandemic period, it’s still consistent with the numbers from 2018 and 2019.

Seasonal flu, also known as influenza, is a recurrent global health concern. It’s a viral infection, primarily attacking the respiratory system. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with complications like pneumonia being potentially fatal.

In a stark illustration of the potential dangers associated with electronic cigarettes or vaporisers, a former vape addict in Singapore required an uncommon medical procedure known as whole lung lavage not once, but twice after developing a rare lung condition. Doctors at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), the only hospital in Singapore to perform this procedure, suspect the condition may be linked to his vaping habit.