One in three Australians suffer from poor quality sleep. New research suggests sleep deprivation is costing the Australian economy more than $5.1 billion a year in both direct and indirect costs.
Many people with asthma have sensitivities to certain drugs that can precipitate an asthma attack. If you have asthma, you need to be aware of which medications may be triggers. You do not need to avoid these medications unless you know they are asthma triggers for you. If these medications have never triggered your asthma, it is still best to take the medications with caution because a reaction can occur at any time.
1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85, with more than 60% of cancer patients surviving more than five years after diagnosis.According to a recent US study the hidden psychological scars caused by the diagnosis of cancer can leave scaring akin to that inflicted by war, with the impact in some cases lasting for years.Archived Sleep and Thoracic News Articles
Below you will find a list of all previous news articles published on The Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland (TSGQ) website. These articles have been compiled by our Sleep and Thoracic Specialists Dr Andrew Scott and Dr John Feenstra and our sleep and respiratory scientists for both medical professionals, our patients and the general public.
There are several sections to choose from please click the link below for the section of most interest to you.
Thoracic Medicine (Topics include: Lung Information, Asthma and breathing disorders)
Sleep Medicine (Topics include: Sleep Disorders, Treatment and Support)
News on the Thoracic and Sleep Group Queensland (TSGQ) (News on our Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Sleep Clinics, Sleep and Respiratory Specialist Clinics and Lung Function Laboratory)
All other news stories (Public health information notices for medical professionals and the general public)
Thoracic Medicine
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Many of us wear perfumes, colognes, and body sprays; but the fragrances used in these products may not be all that sweet. Chemicals used in the procuction of popular perfumes may contain unlisted chemicals or chemicals which can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals. |
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Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is elevated in patients with asthma, and its levels decrease with treatment. According to new study results, FeNO measurements may provide a simple means of predicting steroid response in patients with difficult asthma. |
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Cigarettes have been back in the news recently with the Federal Government increasing tax on each packet. The aim is to increase by $6.50 per packet over the next three years. The focus now is on the financial cost to you if you keep smoking. Grisly photos and TV ads are not working as well as they once did. |
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The federal government announced earlier this year that it wanted cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging, without brand logos, images and colours, from 2012. However, the ‘Alliance of Australian Retailers’ don't want that to happen. The Daily Telegraph reports the Alliance of Australian Retailers's campaign, which was registered only last week, is being funded almost entirely by three tobacco giants including Philip Morris and British American Tobacco. |
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This flu season has been much lighter than in previous years, but don't worry it has not forgotten about us and is due to finish with a pickup in cases. |
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A new and potentially more pathogenic group of human rhinoviruses, rhinovirus group C, (HRVC) is associated with asthma attacks in children. |
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General Practitioners are encouraged to participate with the national Lung Census to assess the lung health of 50,000 adults. This programme is an initiative as part of 2010: International Year of the Lung. |
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In support of World COPD Day the Wesley Lung Function Laboratory performed free lung health checks at the Wesley Hospital. The aim was to educate the general public about the importance of regular lung health checks. |
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In a discovery that could transform asthma treatment, US researchers have found our lungs carry receptors for bitter tastes. |
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A new study of smokers indicates there is a 114% increased risk of dementia, a 157% increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and a 172% greater risk of vascular dementia. |
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a new diagnostic test for Tuberculosis which only takes a fraction of the time of current tests. |
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Smoke from incense burning causes asthma in susceptible children. Researchers from Taiwan may have identified the genetic polymorphism responsible for the increased asthma risk. |
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Cleanup work in the upcoming weeks within dirty and infested places can render workers more susceptible to inhalational complications. Precautionary and control measures should be followed. Patients with underling lung disorders need to extra-vigilant during this period. |
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Nicotine patches are now available on the PBS, making them more accessible than ever. |
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New research has shown the presence of fungi in asthmatic's airways. |
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Buteyko is a method of controlling your breathing, but is there any evidence that it actually works? |
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Tailoring smoking interventions to the individual is more likely to result in successful quitting, compared to generic one-size-fits-all techniques. |
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If a radiologist has an expectation of what they will find when looking at an X ray it may influence their diagnosis. |
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A frequently used supplement reduces the incidence of the common cold when taken for at least five months, a recent review shows. |
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Asthma Prevention: New arguments in favour of the "Hygiene Hypothesis" |
Growing up on a farm in Central Europe protects children from developing asthma and other allergic diseases, a new study finds. |
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Patients diagnosed with cancer are at increased risk of infection due to their compromised immune system after cancer treatment. |
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Sleep Medicine
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Chronic insomniacs losing out on sleep may also be missing brain matter. For the first time, brain imaging has linked chronic insomnia to lower gray matter density in areas that regulate the brain's ability to make decisions and to rest. The research could lead to new treatment plans for people who struggle with sleeplessness. |
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When man's best friend wants to hop into bed at night, there are conflicting opinions about whether it should be allowed for those already having sleep troubles. |
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New research from the US has determined that the ideal number of hours for sleep per night is 7 hours. Sleeping less can lead to heart conditions such as angina, coronary heart disease and heart attack. Sleeping longer leads to increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. |
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Recent studies suggest that sleep-disordered breathing increases the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The incidence of obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is 2 to 5% in the general female population; however, the incidence in pregnant women is unknown. Below is a case study that investigated sleep apnoea events during pregnancy. |
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We may not always remember them, but dreams play a very important role in laying down memories and learning new tasks. |
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There are many benefits to getting a good night's sleep. A recent Australian prime-ministerial candidate’s decision to sacrifice sleep to keep on campaigning had a few sleep experts rolling their eyes. |
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The Big Sleep Survey 2010 is a real community based science research project. Australian sleep scientists want to find out how much sleep we're getting and whether mobiles and laptops in the bedroom are affecting our sleep. |
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This article is a report on the current legal situation (Oct 2010) in Australia regarding medical conditions and fitness to drive. Several court cases have lead to major changes in reporting of medical conditions which affect individuals ability to drive. |
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Recent studies suggest up to 50% of patients with any form of kidney impairment have obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). |
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Patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) frequently complain of nocturia (night-time urinary frequency), and overactive bladder syndrome (OAB). However a recent study indicates stroke risk is nearly four times higher in those patients with nocturia because of underlying OSA. |
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For sufferers of obstructive sleep apnoea, erectile dysfunction (ED) can be part of the clinical package. It is underdiagnosed, undertreated, and poorly discussed. |
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Dr Andrew Scott has reviewed the current literature on sleep deprivation and cognitive ability compiling this comprehensive overview on the latest medical research. |
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Statistics show 17% of Queensland road fatalities invlove driver fatigue. A review of the literature has shown OSA treatment is significantly improving fatigue, daytime sleepiness and lack of energy. |
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Bad sleep habits (hygiene) can have a serious impact on your relationships and your health, but there are some simple solutions you can try for a better night sleep. |
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Sleep deprivation during pregnancy has been shown to contribute to multiple conditions detrimental to maternal and infant health. |
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Babies don't have Contagious Yawning, unlike Adults and Chimps |
Young children don't find yawning contagious, according to a new British study. |
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Did you know you unknowingly swallow 4 spiders per year whilst asleep? This and other sleep facts inside! |
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We have all heard of Jet Lag but what is it really? We go deeper and explain its true causes and how circadian rythms affect sleep and how it can influence other sleep disorders. |
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Preliminary results are in from the Big Sleep Survey 2010 and the results make for interesting reading! |
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The Optalert System is a safety device engineered to improve the personal safety of transport workers in an effort to detect and prevent drowsy driving. |
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The burden on the health system due to driving tired is growing with teenagers particularly susceptible |
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Research into light exposure shows it can decrease melatonin production reducing sleep quality. |
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A recent episode of the 7 PM Project on Network 10 featured a report on Sleep Apnoea. We think this is an extremely informative and well produced report documenting some of the elements involved with sleep apnoea. We have included the video below and some links to other helpful information for anyone who has questions about their sleep. |
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More than 70 per cent of Australians will be overweight or obese and only a quarter in the healthy weight range by the year 2025, according to a new Monash University report. |
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Childhood Sleep Disorders linked with significant cardiovascular morbidity. |
Identification of disease markers may lead to a simple and reliable method of diagnosing childhood sleep disorders. |
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Technology is ever-present in today's society, but the devices that help make our lives more efficient are also making us more sleep deprived, according to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation. |
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Research has shown that teens require a unique sleep environment for growth and development. |
News on the Thoracic and Sleep Group QLD
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Thoracic and Sleep Group (QLD) have received universal certification by Clinilab in New York to be involved within their international network of clinical trials. |
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The Wesley Hospital Sleep Disorders Centre Celebrates First Anniversary |
Thoracic and Sleep Group (Queensland) are proud to celebrate the first anniversary of The Wesley Hospital Sleep Disorders Centre. This centre was established to recognise the growing demand for quality, state of the art sleep medicine services in Brisbane. |
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The Wesley Lung Function Laboratory now Bulk Bills all Lung Function testing. |
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The annual running of the Bridge to Brisbane saw tens of thousand of competitors take part in support of Autism QLD. Among them was a team of TSGQ Staff. |
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TSGQ has acquired some wheels and you will be sure to see us coming! |
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The World's Greatest Shave is a bit of fun and all for a good cause. |
Other News Stories
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The annual Think Pink week concluded with the Kim Walters Choices Program Charity Ball. TSGQ staff got dressed to the nines and had a great night out! |
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The Wesley Lung Function Laboratory now Bulk Bills all Lung Function testing. |
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TSGQ is proud to support the Wesley Clinical Week 2010. TSGQ specialist physicians Dr's Andrew Scott and John Feenstra will make presentations as part of the GP Clinical Weekend October 9-10. |
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Doctors need to inform patients of their legal obligation to inform their driver licensing authority of their medical condition, including sleep disorders. Driving during the period legally prevented by their medical condition may render the patient not only criminally liable, but in breach of their third party insurance. |
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The common cold may be associated with childhood obesity, US scientists report. Researchers found that children exposed to a particular strain of adenovirus were significantly more likely to be obese. |
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General safety information and cleanup advice for persons in the flood affected areas. |
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Get the Flu shot before the Flu gets you! |
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The Australian Red Cross has launched the Japan and Pacific Disaster Appeal 2011. You can assist those people affected by the earthquake by making a donation |
