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The BETTER-B study, recently presented at ERS and published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, provided new insights into the management of severe breathlessness in patients with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).  Severe breathlessness is a debilitating symptom that significantly impacts the quality of life for millions of people worldwide, yet there are currently no licensed medications to effectively address it outside of Australia. Given the clinical challenges and limited treatment options, clinicians often resort to off-label use of medications like mirtazapine, a widely prescribed antidepressant that appeared promising. Despite its initial promise, the study found that doses ranging from 15 to 45 mg of mirtazapine failed to provide significant relief compared to a placebo. Additionally, the findings highlighted potential adverse effects and increased healthcare costs associated with its use. 

Dr Harly Greenberg is Chief of the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine at North Shore University Hospital and Long  Island Jewish Medical Center, Northwell Health in New York and Associate Director of the Northwell Health Lung Institute, Medical Director of the Northwell Sleep Disorders Center and  Professor of Medicine […]

Welcome to the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Respiratory & Pulmonary Diseases. As we continually strive to deliver cutting-edge research and insightful commentary, this issue is no exception, featuring a diverse array of articles that illuminate both emerging treatments and evolving practices within the field of respiratory and pulmonary medicine. We begin with a compelling […]

Approximately half of all smokers will develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with a disease progression over several years before the spirometric threshold for diagnosis is reached.1 There is, therefore, a clear benefit in identifying patients with COPD as early as possible. Early detection, diagnosis and maintenance treatment of COPD, along with smoking cessation and exercise, may help to […]

The nasal airway serves as the primary entry point of air and oxygen into the body. It serves critical functions, such as providing a physical barrier against external irritants and pathogens and warming and humidifying incoming air.1 Consequently, disorders of the nose and nasal cavity may lead to pathological downstream effects by impacting the normal physiological […]