Latest news with #NorthwesternMedicine
Observer
a day ago
- Health
- Observer
A pill for sleep apnea could be on the horizon
Tens of millions of people in the United States struggle with obstructive sleep apnea, a condition that occurs when the throat muscles narrow during sleep, leading to temporary pauses in breathing that can cause people to snore and jolt awake, gasping for air. Poor sleep can leave people feeling exhausted, irritable and unfocused during the day. And if left untreated, sleep apnea can increase the risk for serious conditions such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, heart attack and stroke. For decades, the primary treatment for sleep apnea has been continuous positive airway pressure (or CPAP). Before bed, those with the condition put on a face mask that is connected to a CPAP machine, which keeps the airway open by forcing air into it. The machines are effective, but many find them so noisy, cumbersome or uncomfortable that they end up abandoning them. Now, a more appealing option may be on the way, according to a news release from Apnimed, a pharmaceutical company focused on treating sleep apnea. Last week, the company announced a second round of positive Phase 3 clinical trial results for a first-of-its-kind pill that can be taken just before bedtime to help keep a person's airway open. The full results have not yet been released or published in a peer-reviewed journal. But the findings build on past, similarly positive conclusions from trials and studies. Sleep experts say that what they're seeing in reports so far makes them think the pill could be a game changer. Dr. Phyllis Zee, a sleep doctor and researcher at Northwestern Medicine who was not involved with the trial, said that if approved, the drug could transform the lives of many. That includes not only those who can't tolerate CPAP machines, but also those who can't — or prefer not to — use other interventions, such as other types of oral devices or weight loss medications. (Excess weight is a risk factor for sleep apnea.) How does the new drug work? Dr. Sanjay R. Patel, a sleep researcher at the University of Pittsburgh who led the new trial, described trying to breathe through a constricted airway like slurping soda through a soggy paper straw. 'If that straw is really floppy, then when you suck, you suck the walls shut, and you can't get any of the soda,' he said. The new pill, called AD109, is a combination of atomoxetine and aroxybutynin, two drugs that tell your brain to keep the airway muscles activated throughout the night, leaving the breathing path clear. The drugs 'essentially trick those muscles into thinking they're awake,' said Dr. Daniel Combs, an associate professor of pediatrics and medicine at the University of Arizona, who was not involved with the trial but is studying a drug similar to AD109. The new trial included 660 adults with sleep apnea who either couldn't tolerate CPAP machines or refused to use them. According to Apnimed's news release, AD109 significantly reduced the average number of hourly breathing interruptions in participants who took the pill, compared with those given a placebo. Some participants who took the pill did report side effects, including dry mouth and insomnia, said Dr. Larry Miller, chief executive of Apnimed. But the company has not published detailed data about those side effects. According to Miller, just 3% of the patients who took AD109 found the insomnia significant enough to stop taking the drug. (BEGIN OPTIONAL TRIM.) Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, a sleep researcher at the University of Arizona who was not involved with the trial, said it would be helpful to review the full data on the side effects, as well as other evidence on how well the drug works in people with chronic conditions such as heart disease or severe obesity. (People with sleep apnea often have these conditions at the same time.) It's unclear how much the drug will cost and whether insurers will cover it. Some researchers also wondered whether the drug would improve daytime fatigue and mood. Even so, it could be 'a big deal for patients,' Parthasarathy said. Many people with sleep apnea are so averse to using CPAP machines that they don't seek treatment. He said he would prescribe the drug based on the results of this trial and others. (END OPTIONAL TRIM.) Apnimed plans to share the complete data, including how well the pill reduced snoring, in October, Miller said. He added that the company intended to seek approval from the Food and Drug Administration in early 2026. Miller said he was optimistic that the clinical trial results would support an FDA approval, but if or when that might happen is unclear, especially given recent changes at the agency. Could the pill replace other sleep apnea treatments? When used properly, CPAP machines are currently the most effective option for treating sleep apnea. And many people become acclimated to them, especially after the devices start improving their sleep quality. But for those resistant to using the devices, the pill could be an effective alternative. Ultimately, the more treatment options, the better, said Zee. Whether you use a CPAP machine, a pill or something else, treating sleep apnea can improve 'just about everything,' Combs said. One of his favorite studies, he said, was a small one from 2013 that found that golfers who treated their sleep apnea with a CPAP machine tended to perform better at the game — the implication being that they were more rested. 'It makes a huge difference,' Combs said. This article originally appeared in
Chicago Tribune
2 days ago
- Climate
- Chicago Tribune
13th annual Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium sees over 500 Cyclists compete on Saturday
Under the threat of rain, over 500 racers took part in the 13th annual Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium in downtown Lake Bluff on Saturday, for an all-day racing event from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium was the ninth race in the Chicago Grit 10-race series, offering courses across greater Chicagoland, from West Dundee to Winfield, Elgin, and Fulton Market in Chicago, and taking place over 10 consecutive days. 'Lake Bluff not only provides a bucolic backdrop for Saturday's race, but this is a town where residents rally around their public events, like the block party tradition which takes place on the Village Green in tandem with the Criterium,' Drew Irvin, administrator for the Village of Lake Bluff, said. Saturday's full-day racing lineup featured 9 pro and amateur men's and women's bicycle races with cyclists from more than 42 states and many foreign countries. 'Over the years, the Criterium brings thousands of cyclists and sporting enthusiasts into our town on race day, elevating exposure to our entertainment and business district, and giving little Lake Bluff a chance to showcase all it has to offer,' Irvin said. Jan Van Mieghem of Evanston says he is an avid racer with two sons in Saturday's first race, in the Men's Novice category. 'We've been watching the weather closely; the threat of rain can make the course more challenging, and if the corners get slick, it really increases the crash threat,' Van Mieghem said. Ron Oesterlein is co-director of the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium and owner of Lake Bluff Hub & Cycle. 'The Grit strength race is so exciting to watch, every 45 seconds or so, you can see 100 racers come past you – the racers just fly by,' Oesterlein said. Families were encouraged to join in the Criterium fun by participating in the Family Fun Ride, sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Bluff, at 6:15 p.m. on the pro racecourse. 'Biking really brings our community together, and the Family Fun race is a big deal for the kids because they get to experience a professionally run track, and the high energy of the crowd — quite a thrilling moment for them,' Oesterlein said. Oesterlein says Northwestern Medicine was the title sponsor and official healthcare provider for the Lake Bluff Criterium. 'We believe good health starts with strong, healthy communities and are hopeful that this world-class sporting event inspires our neighbors to lead more active, health-focused lifestyles.' Seamus Collins, president of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, said in a news release. Northwestern Medicine also provided on-site healthcare professionals to care for racers and spectators in need of medical attention, all part of their first-aid station set up at the Lake Bluff Fire Station. In addition to Northwestern Medicine, title sponsor for the 13th consecutive year, other sponsors included: pace car sponsor Knauz Automotive Group, Lake Forest Bank & Trust, Lake Bluff; ULINE; Lake Forest Country Day School; DiVinci Painters; Pasquesi Home & Garden; and EJ's Place Restaurant. The Lake Bluff Crit Party took place on the Village Green from 4 until 8 p.m., featuring live music by the Nic Barnum Band, Lake Bluff food vendors Bangkok Tokyo and Duffer's Pub, plus the Sweet Memories ice cream truck. Craft beer from Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewery – with a special batch of IPA brewed just for the event called 'Drunk and in Charge of a Bicycle,' with a portion of the proceeds from beer sales donated to the Roberti Community House in Waukegan. Twenty-year-old Marcus Van Mieghem of Evanston took first place in the Men's Novice race. 'I learned early on how important it is to try and conserve energy during the race while staying among the group of lead racers,' Van Mieghem said. 'I prepared for the Criterium, with hard 20-minute training to build a strong base and build the stamina to take on the longer 30-minute course,' Van Mieghem added.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Cardiologist shares 5 symptoms you should never ignore and when to call 999
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, and take about 17.9 million lives each year. Here are the symptoms you should never ignore Heart and circulatory diseases claim roughly 17.9 million lives worldwide each year, making them the globe's biggest killer. Shockingly, more than half of Britons are expected to develop a heart or circulation problem during their lifetime. This makes recognising the warning signs absolutely crucial - and knowing exactly when to seek expert help. According to Dr Allison R. Zielinski, a cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine, chest pain should be your first red flag for booking a doctor's appointment. Chest discomfort represents one of the "hallmark signs of a heart problem", with pressure that intensifies during physical activity potentially signalling that your heart isn't receiving adequate blood flow, reports Surrey Live. Dr Zielinski also recommends consulting a specialist if you suffer from breathlessness, heart palpitations or dizzy spells, as they can establish whether an underlying cardiac condition is to blame. Certain warning signs demand immediate emergency attention, particularly pain that radiates to your arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach. British Heart Foundation specialists warn this could signal a heart attack is occurring and 999 should be dialled without delay. Suddenly experiencing nausea, sweating or feeling faint might seem like food poisoning or anxiety - but these could also indicate cardiac arrest. The BHF states: "If you experience a new and sudden feeling of sickness, sweatiness or light-headedness it is important you call 999 straight away." You should also watch out for any puffiness in your feet, ankles, or lower legs, as this can signal heart failure. This happens when your heart cannot circulate blood effectively throughout the body, causing fluid to build up. Another instance when you must dial 999 immediately is if you notice any signs of a stroke. The Stroke Association advises remembering the FAST acronym (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) as "every minute is vital" when seeking urgent medical assistance. Face weakness forms the initial element of the acronym and requires checking whether the individual can smile or if their mouth or eyes have drooped. Next is arm weakness - can they lift both arms and maintain them raised? Their speech might also be impacted and may sound garbled. Should someone you know display any single one of these warning signs, you must ring 999 straight away. The Stroke Association states: "Acting FAST will give the person having a stroke the best chance of survival and recovery. Even if it doesn't seem like much, any one of these signs of stroke is an emergency, so always call 999 immediately." An intense headache or vision difficulties - including fuzzy eyesight or losing sight in one or both eyes - may also indicate a stroke.
CBS News
17-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Chicago area doctors expect more hospital visits from tick bites this summer
With all the rain lately in the Chicago area, hospital systems such as Northwestern Medicine reported an increase in patients getting sick from ticks. This comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the worst tick seasons in years. Multiple doctors and experts say it is all due to climate change. CBS News Chicago reported on the warnings about ticks back in May and June. But now, it is becoming apparent that the increase in ticks and tick bites is corresponding to emergency room visits in Chicago and the rest of the Midwest. Rain and humidity are the perfect storm for pests like ticks to thrive. Dr. Alfredo Mena Lora of Saint Anthony Hospital said he, along with other doctors, anticipate seeing more patients this summer on account of ticks. "It's one of those things that we expect, especially as the warm months continue, and the exposure become more cumulative," sand Mena Lora. CDC data show in 2023, out of 100,000 emergency room visits in the Midwest, 51 patients were going in for tick bites. That number went up to 56 last year, and is now at 85 this year. The reasons behind it, doctors say, are environmental factors. "We are having milder winters, wetter springs, which means for longer tick breeding seasons. We're also seeing ticks move into geographic areas where we have not seen them before," said CBS News Medical Contributor Dr. Celine Gounder, "and all of this adds up to more tick exposure and more tick bites." Doctors say ticks transmit more viruses and diseases that any other member of the animal kingdom in the world — so this is a serious public health concern. People can get Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and a slew of other illnesses. "I think the main thing that patients and the public want to know is that if you've been bitten by a tick, it could carry a condition, and that condition is a typically a febrile condition," said Dr. Mena Lora, "so you may have fevers, you may have a rash, you may have joint pains." This year, 26 people in Cook County have already been diagnosed with Lyme disease. A total of 58 contracted the disease in Cook County last year. Dr. Mena Lora said while ticks can bite people in the city, they are more prevalent in the neighboring states of Wisconsin, Indiana, and Michigan, and in wooded areas. He reminded people to wear clothes that cover arms and legs, do a tick check, and take a shower upon arriving at home. Anyone who finds a tick should use tweezers to take it out. "If we protect ourselves and take all preventative measures, we can still enjoy our summer," said Dr. Mena Lora. CDC data show the Northwest is seeing vastly more emergency room visits for ticks than the Midwest. The Chicago Department of Public Health said while it has not seen an increase in Lyme disease cases, it does expect to see more emergency room visits this summer.
Chicago Tribune
16-07-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Northwestern Medicine research finding opens the door to a viral link to Parkinson's disease
A Northwestern Medicine research lab has found a usually harmless virus in brain samples from Parkinson's patients. The idea that Parkinson's could be linked to a virus had been theorized for years, but this is the first study to pinpoint a specific virus as more common in Parkinson's patients. 'The message that we want to give to the general public is, it opens a new field of investigation, something that we didn't know about,' said Dr. Igor Koralnik, Northwestern's chief of neuroinfectious diseases and global neurology and lead author of the study. Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain. Why these neurons break down is unknown, but it's thought that this breakdown is caused by many factors, both genetic and environmental. The team used a tool called ViroFind, which is able to test samples for all known viruses that infect humans much quicker than the usual one-at-a-time 'brute force' method. The lab found human pegivirus, or HPgV, in 5 of the 10 Parkinson's-affected brains they tested, and none of the brains without Parkinson's. 'Fifty percent of any population having this virus would be very, very high,' Barbara Hanson, the lab's post-doctoral fellow, said. Estimates calculate HPgV as being present in about 5% of blood donors in North America, and people with healthy immune systems generally lose the virus within two years of exposure. It is not known to cause disease in humans, so most who catch the virus will never know they had it. Before this study, Hanson said, HPgV had not been found in human brain tissue. It was understood to primarily 'live' in blood. 'For this virus to be present in the brain, there must be a reason for that,' Koralnik said. This doesn't mean that the virus itself is a trigger for Parkinson's, though. It could be that an as-yet unidentified genetic mutation that makes people susceptible to Parkinson's, also allows for the virus to spread throughout the body differently than in people without the mutation. And even if further research shows HPgV as a direct cause of Parkinson's, both Koralnik and Dr. Danny Bega, medical director of Northwestern's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, said people shouldn't necessarily worry about getting HPgV. A patient likely has to encounter a couple of different factors before they develop Parkinson's, Bega said. He puts it in terms of 'hits' — a hit could be genetic, or it could be environmental, such as exposure to a virus or pesticide. These 'hits' build up over time until there are enough factors to cause the neuron degeneration specific to Parkinson's. It's possible that this is why Parkinson's risk increases with age, Bega said. The longer you live, the more of these 'hits' you take, as you encounter different Parkinson's risk factors throughout your life. 'I always caution people who try to blame their Parkinson's on one thing,' he said. 'Rest assured, it's never one thing that you could have done or should have done differently.' The work to treat and hopefully one day prevent Parkinson's is being done through finding these factors and eliminating them one by one. 'The more targets that we have, the more likely we are to be able to achieve a treatment that actually can slow things down,' Bega said.
