Price Hikes Have Patients Turning to Craigslist for Insulin, Asthma Inhalers

TUESDAY, Feb. 18, 2020 -- Maybe you've gone to Craigslist to find a used car or a secondhand couch, but imagine having to turn to the internet to pay for lifesaving drugs.

It's already happening: A new study found that hundreds of ads were placed on Craigslist for insulin and asthma inhalers during a 12-day period in June 2019.

AHA News: Persistent Asthma Linked to Increased Risk for Heart Rhythm Disorder

TUESDAY, Feb. 4, 2020 (American Heart Association News) -- People with persistent asthma could be at 1.5 times higher risk of developing a heart rhythm disorder called atrial fibrillation than those without asthma, new research shows.

The study used data collected on 6,615 people in six areas around the country who were followed for nearly 13 years. When the study started, none of the participants had heart disease. Researchers concluded that the 150 participants with persistent asthma – those who required medication daily to control their condition – were more likely to be diagnosed with AFib than those without asthma.

Ozone, Wood Smoke Raise Odds of COPD in Smokers and Nonsmokers

MONDAY, Jan. 6, 2020 -- High levels of ozone and wood smoke each increase the risk for lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among smokers and nonsmokers alike, two new studies find.

People with COPD gradually lose their ability to draw a decent breath. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause, but COPD also can be caused by regular exposure to lung irritants.

More Studies Link Vaping to Asthma, COPD

TUESDAY, Jan. 14, 2020 -- Lung illnesses and deaths from vaping have been grabbing headlines for months, and now two new studies offer fresh evidence pointing to long-term respiratory concerns.

The studies link the use of electronic cigarettes to asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).