A recent study by Dr Xu Gao and colleagues has looked at the relationship between lung function and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (which include aspirin) in 2,280 veterans. The researchers then compared this with air pollution data from the previous month in their hometown of greater Boston. Other factors, including whether or not the participant was a smoker were also taken into consideration.
The study found that NSAIDs nearly halved the effect of particulate matter (all solid and liquid particles suspended in air) on lung function. The mechanism by which this protection happens is unknown, but may be due to NSAIDS reducing inflammation in the lung caused by pollution. As most of the participants in the study were taking aspirin, this effect was deemed to be predominantly due to aspirin, but the effect of other NSAIDs would be useful to study.
These results show that aspirin may be useful in the short-term protection of lungs against air pollution. However, air pollution contributes to a number of other harmful bodily effects so it is still important to minimise overall exposure.
To check air pollution in your area, click here
References:
Share this post
Latest News posts
Biologics & ABPA – what are they and what can they do?
October 19, 2024
UK National RSV vaccination program launched
July 26, 2024
English prescription charge to rise 1st May 2024
April 26, 2024
The Role of Speech & Language Therapy (SALT)
April 16, 2024
Understanding How Our Lungs Fight Fungus
April 15, 2024
Chronic illness diagnosis and guilt
April 12, 2024
Chronic illness diagnosis and grief
April 11, 2024
News archive
- Antifungals in development
- COVID-19
- Events
- Fundraising
- General interest
- How do I...?
- Information and Learning
- Latest research news
- Lifestyle and Coping Skills
- Living with Aspergillosis
- NAC announcements
- News archive
- Patient and Carer Blog
- Patient stories
- Recordings
- Supplements and complementary therapies
- Types of aspergillosis
- Video