Latest news with #COPD
Medscape
8 hours ago
- Health
- Medscape
Does Age Affect Care Outcomes in Patients With COPD on NIV?
TOPLINE: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) did not differ significantly between younger and older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffering from chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure receiving long-term noninvasive ventilation (NIV), despite a higher comorbidity burden in older patients. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a prospective, observational study to investigate the differences in HRQOL between younger and older patients with COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure receiving long-term NIV. They enrolled 237 patients between June 2015 and October 2021, with 41.8% enrolled as inpatients and 58.2% as outpatients, categorized into two age groups: younger (< 65 years) and older (≥ 65 years). HRQOL was assessed using the severe respiratory insufficiency (SRI) questionnaire, and factors affecting HRQOL — including anemia, autonomy impairment, exacerbation history, and comorbidities — were evaluated. A five-tier scale categorized autonomy impairments by severity with level 1 denoting minor impairments and level 5 indicating the most severe loss of independence or ability, which pose substantial challenges for nursing care. TAKEAWAY: No significant differences were found in SRI summary scores between age groups, despite older patients having a significantly higher burden of comorbidities (P = .014). Exacerbation frequency had a significant negative impact on SRI scores in both younger and older patients. Anemia was linked to a significant reduction in SRI scores only in younger patients, in whom it was more prevalent (29.1% vs 17.5%; P = .045). Any level of autonomy impairment negatively affected HRQOL in younger patients, whereas only higher levels (level of care ≥ 2) affected HRQOL in older patients. IN PRACTICE: 'Understanding of COPD with comprehensive care plans that address both medical and functional aspects, patient outcomes, and HRQOL might be improved,' the authors wrote. SOURCE: This study was led by Maximilian Zimmermann, Department of Pneumology, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany. It was published online on June 7, 2025, in BMC Pulmonary Medicine. LIMITATIONS: The heterogeneity of the study cohort, due to inclusion of both inpatients and outpatients, may have led to variability in clinical status and care settings. Additionally, patients were eligible after 1 month of NIV, most had been on long-term therapy prior to inclusion, which could have influenced the assessment of HRQOL. Because the study was conducted at a single center, the results may not be applied to broader populations. DISCLOSURES: This study did not receive any research funding. The authors reported having no relevant conflicts of interest. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Indian teen develops Paraspeak, an AI-powered translator for paralysis patients
'My school had taken me for a field trip to a paralysis care centre, and I saw the difficulties the patients had in communicating with their caretakers and their surroundings. That's where the idea came to me. What if there was a machine learning system which could understand what they're saying?' said 11th-grade student Pranet Khetan. The young innovator has developed a small device that can translate slurred speech. The device, according to Khetan, is India's first open-source Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) framework specially designed for Hindi dysarthric speech. Talking about the device, Khetan said that what struck him most profoundly was dysarthria – a motor speech disorder affecting patients with paralysis, Parkinson's disease, COPD, and other neurological conditions. 'The advantage with dysarthria is that the speech processing in their brain is completely fine. They know what they want to say, and they understand everything everyone else is saying. It's just that their muscles aren't able to properly produce speech. But the meaning and that intent are still there,' Khetan told Khetan has named the device Paraspeak, and it aims to address a critical gap in the field. In India, while there is no specific data on dysarthria, it is a fairly common speech disorder. The teen said that while there is some research for English dysarthric speech recognition, there are no solutions for Hindi-speaking patients. 'I chose Hindi because it's spoken by over 40 per cent of India. But surprisingly, there is no dataset for Hindi dysarthric speech. No one has ever gone out and collected Hindi dysarthric speech for the purposes of training a model,' he explained. This led to one of the challenging aspects of his project – data collection. As part of his research, the teen visited NGOs and care centres and created the first-ever dataset of Hindi dysarthric speech comprising 42 minutes of recordings from 28 patients. Later, with the help of sophisticated data augmentation techniques, he expanded it to 20 hours of synthetic training data. Even a simple sentence with three or four words would take time and effort for those affected by dysarthria. 'It was really emotional, because what happens with dysarthria is that people aren't able to understand what you say. So eventually they withdraw from their surroundings and stop trying to speak in the first place,' he said. 'Many of these patients were putting in a lot of effort, and there were many cases where I was telling them to stop, the doctor was telling them to stop, but they still kept going. They were really happy to contribute.' Following real-time testing, Khetan filed a patent for the device. Khetan shared that the small device is built on the transformer architecture, the technology that is powering large language models like ChatGPT and Claude. However, for the device, he adapted the architecture for speech recognition. When it comes to function, the system takes slow, unclear speech from dysarthric patients and converts it into clear, understandable speech that can be played aloud. The device comes in a compact form factor, as small as a webcam, that can be worn around the neck. 'All this device needs to operate is an internet connection. It has a long battery life. It can last more than 10 hours at least,' Khetan explained. The patient needs to simply press a button to activate recording, speak into the built-in microphone, and the audio is processed by AI models running on cloud servers before returning clear speech output. What makes Paraspeak unique is its scalability. Unlike existing research solutions that work only with individual patients, Paraspeak is designed to work across multiple speakers with the same underlying system. 'Current research is very limited in this area. Such models only work with one patient. So let's say I take one patient's data, and I train my model on them. It will only work with them. It's not scalable across multiple speakers,' he noted. The speech recognition system stands out for its remarkably low cost of construction. Khetan said that the device costs Rs 2,000 to manufacture, with a monthly subscription fee of around Rs 200. The subscription here is internet data packs from telecom providers. According to the teen, the low cost of the device makes it accessible. Talking about the cost efficiency, Khetan admitted that it was achieved through numerous iterations over a year. The first prototype was bulky with many wires attached; however, he progressively miniaturised it using custom printed circuit board designs. 'I have designed my own custom printed circuit boards. It's almost like how a smartphone would work on the inside. Very compact, custom electronics, which I've tried to design to create this as small as possible,' said Khetan, who is a student of Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon. As of now Paraspeak isn't just a proof of concept; according to Khetan, it is a working solution that has been tested on real patients. 'I tested it on seven patients. I also recorded videos of three of them with a variety of diseases like congenital disorders, paralysis, Parkinson's, and COPD, and they were content with the fact that the device worked for them,' said Khetan, whose innovation also got recognised at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2025, held in Ohio, USA. His work was also recognised at India's IRIS National Fair. As of now dysarthria is present in over 75 per cent of Parkinson's patients and mostly all late-stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients. Technologies like Paraspeak can bring hope to many. Khetan shared that as of today there is no market-ready solution for this disorder, making it a unique piece of tech. When asked what excites him most about technology, Khetan said, 'I'm really passionate about assistive technology. There's so much in the technology spectrum which can be applied to assistive technology to tangibly improve the lives of so many people across the world. The best solutions are those with a tangible human impact, where you can instantly see a change in someone's life.' Bijin Jose, an Assistant Editor at Indian Express Online in New Delhi, is a technology journalist with a portfolio spanning various prestigious publications. Starting as a citizen journalist with The Times of India in 2013, he transitioned through roles at India Today Digital and The Economic Times, before finding his niche at The Indian Express. With a BA in English from Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara, and an MA in English Literature, Bijin's expertise extends from crime reporting to cultural features. With a keen interest in closely covering developments in artificial intelligence, Bijin provides nuanced perspectives on its implications for society and beyond. ... Read More
STV News
13 hours ago
- Health
- STV News
Hospital At Home: Virtual ward service 'life-changing' for elderly patients
Elderly patients say the NHS's Hospital at Home programme has changed their lives by allowing them to receive safe medical care in the comfort of their own homes. A new report from Healthcare Improvement Scotland has found that the expansion of its 'virtual ward' service across Scotland has saved over £50m and kept around 15,500 people from staying in hospital for treatment over the past year. The programme is designed to treat patients at home, often with remote monitoring using technology, without the need to be separated from family and friends. It also helps to reduce the risks associated with hospital admissions, such as increased risk of catching infections and a decrease in mobility and independence. Among those who have benefited is Norman Cumming, 77, from Chapelhall, who was born with brionchiectasis. Over the years, he developed asthma and was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in 1990 – a progressive, incurable lung condition. Symptoms include shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, and fatigue. Supplied/NHS Scot The pensioner takes daily medication and uses an inhaler, but occasionally needs to visit his GP clinic for nebuliser treatment, where medication is delivered as a fine mist to help ease his breathing. His wife Tina, 64, told STV News: 'This past year has been the worst it's been. It takes a lot out of him – he gets tired easily, his breathing is affected easily. This last spell, with the hot weather, he has really struggled with that. 'He sometimes has to sleep all day to rebuild his energy.' The couple were first told about Hospital at Home while visiting their GP clinic in December 2024. 'I thought it was a brilliant idea,' Norman said. 'In hospital, you've got to wait for attention. At home, I know there's someone there for me if I need help. 'It's a safe environment, and I'm not worrying about picking up other infections.' Tina added: 'Norman was absolutely delighted – obviously any infection he gets causes more damage to his lungs. 'It eases the pressure on us by being at home – Norman gets really agitated in hospital and likes the comfort of his own bed. He also loves drawing and painting, which he can't do in hospital.' The couple have used the Hospital at Home Service four times since January. Each time, care was provided for between one and two weeks. On the first visit they were provided with monitoring equipment, including a blood pressure cuff and thermometer, linked to a mobile phone that sent readings to the care team four times a day. Norman was also able to receive nebuliser treatment and oxygen support without leaving the house. The couple are encouraged to call for help whenever they need it, with a nurse sent to their home if required. Tina said: 'At first I was a bit wary because I'm not very techy, but it was so straightforward. They reassured us we could call any time, and they really meant it. 'For me, it's just easier being here with him. When he's in hospital I'd be up and down every day, juggling work and everything else. Now I can support him if needed. 'Without this service, he'd be in hospital longer, he'd be more anxious, and it would take him longer to recover.' Norman said: 'It has made a big difference to our life. The staff are so helpful and cheery – they always comes in with a smile on their face. They are fantastic.' Bill Denholm, 85, from Stenhousemuir was recently treated by NHS Forth Valley's Hospital at Home team. His wife Marion, 82, said: 'There are no words to adequately describe the care and attention Bill received. 'We've had doctors, advanced nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, a dietitian and a speech and language therapist all visit our home to provide the care and treatment he required so he didn't have to go into hospital. 'This meant he was able to stay in familiar surroundings with his family and still receive the same type of care he would have in hospital. I also felt very supported as I could contact the Hospital at Home team direct if I had any worries or concerns. 'I can't praise the Hospital at Home service enough. It makes so much more sense to treat people in their own homes if you can rather than occupy a bed in a busy hospital. It's definitely a win-win for everyone involved.' The report estimated £39m has also been saved due to reduced healthcare usage in the six months following hospital at home discharge. More than 1,600 patients were treated on average each month, up from 1,400 on the previous year, with around 15,470 people prevented from spending time in hospital. More than 650 extra hospital beds and almost 500 care home admissions would have been required over the year if hospital at home services did not exist. Belinda Robertson, associate director of Improvement at Healthcare Improvement Scotland, said: 'It seems that Hospital at Home is very much here to stay. We are finding that more NHS boards are not just increasing the numbers receiving acute hospital care at home, but that their services are maturing, becoming more efficient and being set up in such a way as to ensure they are sustainable. 'Making sure that Hospital at Home services are sustainable in terms of resources and capacity has been one of our main focuses over the past year, and we're delighted to see Scotland's NHS boards achieving this. 'For patients, the benefits of being able to be treated in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes is clear to see and this is set to continue.' The Hospital at Home service mostly provides care for frail, older people in their own homes who may be suffering from acute illnesses and health conditions such as respiratory and cardiac issues, infections, or require treatment after a fall. First Minister John Swinney recently announced funding of £85m which will allow 2,000 beds across Scotland to be made available through the Hospital at Home service. Health secretary Neil Gray said: 'This report shows we are delivering personal, efficient and reliable care to patients across the country. Our expansion of Hospital at Home means more people will benefit from first-class NHS care in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. 'By increasing capacity to 2,000 beds by December 2026, we're on track to create the largest 'hospital' in Scotland – bringing care closer to where people live and need it most. 'I am delighted to see the positive impact Hospital at Home is having across Scotland, particularly for elderly patients who can now receive high-quality care without the need to travel to hospital. I am grateful to all of the partners who are delivering this service and look forward to its further expansion in the months ahead.' 'First Minister John Swinney recently announced funding of £85m, which will allow 2,000 beds across Scotland to be made available through the Hospital at Home service.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Sun
18 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Serious health threat warning as haze returns
PETALING JAYA: As haze once again descends on parts of Malaysia, experts are sounding the alarm over its serious and far-reaching health consequences – from exacerbated respiratory conditions and increased hospitalisations to possible links with lung cancer. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) lecturer and consultant respiratory physician Assoc Prof Dr Ng Boon Hau said haze is strongly associated with the worsening of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 'The fine particles and toxic gases present in the haze can make breathing increasingly difficult, triggering symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. 'Patients with asthma or COPD may experience more frequent and severe flare-ups during haze periods, sometimes requiring changes in medication or even hospitalisation,' he said. Ng also highlighted rising concerns over a potential uptick in lung cancer cases linked to haze exposure. 'While more research is needed to establish a direct link, prolonged exposure to airborne pollutants – particularly fine particulate matter like PM2.5 – has been associated with higher risks of developing long-term respiratory diseases and certain cancers,' he said. UKM respiratory unit head and consultant respiratory physician Assoc Prof Dr Andrea Ban Yu-Lin warned that chronic exposure to haze can lead to reduced lung function and ongoing airway inflammation. 'Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable during haze season. 'Children's lungs are still developing and are more sensitive to air pollutants, while older individuals often have weaker respiratory systems and declining physiological function.' She added that individuals with chronic health conditions including asthma, COPD, interstitial lung disease, heart problems or obesity, face an even greater risk. Haze exposure can worsen these illnesses, sometimes resulting in severe symptoms that require emergency treatment or hospital admission. Backing this concern, she cited a local study conducted from January 2014 to December 2015. 'The study recorded a significant increase in respiratory-related hospital admissions during Southeast Asia's haze period. 'Over the 16 weeks of haze, hospitalisations nearly doubled, with more patients requiring intensive care. 'The haze not only led to more asthma and COPD admissions but also worsened chronic heart and lung conditions, especially in medically vulnerable individuals,' she said. Beyond respiratory health, UKM public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh pointed out that the impact of haze stretches well beyond the lungs. 'Haze can reduce visibility and increase the risk of road crashes, especially during peak hours. 'It also traps heat, worsening already high temperatures and leading to heat-related illnesses,' she said. In agriculture, prolonged haze can reduce crop yields and may contribute to food insecurity, she added. On the health front, haze exposure can trigger a wide range of symptoms, including eye and skin irritation, throat dryness and general respiratory discomfort. She said fine airborne particles can settle on the skin, causing itchiness or dermatitis, while inhalation of pollutants can lead to coughing, breathlessness or chest tightness, particularly for those with pre-existing conditions. UKM lecturer and consultant respiratory physician Dr Nik Nuratiqah Nik Abeed advised the public to wear proper protective masks, such as N95 respirators and to limit outdoor activities. 'Stay hydrated to soothe the respiratory tract. Those with asthma or COPD must strictly follow their treatment plans to avoid complications,' she said.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ozzy Osbourne dead at 76: Rock legend's long health battle with Parkinson's, spinal injuries
Image credits: Getty Images John Michael Osbourne, popularly known as "Ozzy" Osbourne, was a legendary English singer who was the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Also known as the Prince of Darkness, the 76-year-old had just recently reunited with his bandmates to perform a huge farewell for the fans. Now, in a statement, his family announced his death, saying, "It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love." Throughout his life, Osbourne had dealt with a variety of health concerns. From breaking his neck to dealing with Parkinson's and depression, the singer had braved a lot. Here's a look at his medical history. Quad bike crash Image credits: X In 2003, the rockstar was seriously injured in a quad bike accident at his Buckinghamshire estate, when he broke his collarbone and six ribs. Then, a fall from a toilet in 2019 dislodged the metal rods in his back from the quad bike crash. 'I fell over and I landed wrong,' he later said. "I went to the doctor's, and you assume everybody knows what they're doing. I haven't walked properly since.' In 2023, he revealed that a fourth operation was the last one his body could handle. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo 'It's going to be the final surgery, because I can't do it any more. Regardless of the way it ends up, I can't.' 'I walked upstairs today for the first time in a while, and my feet feel like I've got diving boots on,' he added. ADHD and dyslexia The star also faced troubles with dyslexia and ADHD. In a 2019 interview with GQ magazine, he shared how, along with his recovery, he also had to do a daily inventory of how his day went. And since he is dyslexic and has ADHD, he used to carry a tape recorder with him to record a melody straight away. Parkinson's disease Image credits: X Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkin 2, a mild form of Parkinson's disease in 2019, which he publicly revealed in 2020. Along with mobility issues, the condition led him to suffer from pain, depression and blood clots. Pneumonia In 2019, he also came down with pneumonia and had to axe his tour dates to recuperate for six weeks on doctors' advice. "Ozzy recently developed pneumonia & has spent some time in hospital. He is through the worst part. His doctors have advised that he stay at home to recuperate for a full six weeks," his wife Sharon wrote on social media. In an interview, he had also shared that the blood clots in his legs caused him blood pressure issues and had to be treated with blood thinners. Emphysema and spinal tumour Image credits: X Additionally, in 2019, the star also suffered from a severe upper-respiratory infection that led to emphysema (COPD). In November 2023, Osbourne revealed that he had been diagnosed with a spinal tumour but remained hopeful that he would be able to perform again to say goodbye to his fans. Recently, in July 2025, with his other bandmates, he gave a final concert to some 40,000 fans at Villa Park soccer stadium in Birmingham, England. Needless to say, the godfather of heavy metal will be remembered forever.
