Get Vaccinated Before Flu Takes Hold: CDC

THURSDAY, Oct. 10, 2019 -- If Australia was any indication, the flu season here will arrive early, so get your flu shot now, U.S. health officials said Thursday.

While the flu that circulated in the Southern Hemisphere in the past six months seemed severe, that was more the result of an early arrival of the season and better reporting of cases, said Dr. Scott Epperson, an epidemiologist in the influenza division of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Fat Collects in Lungs, Raising Asthma Risk

FRIDAY, Oct. 18, 2019 -- Excess weight is hard on the heart, but new research shows it may also harm your lungs.

The study found that higher amounts of fat collect in the airways of overweight and obese people, which may help explain why they're more likely to have wheezing and asthma.

Three-Drug Inhaler May Be an Advance for Asthma Patients

TUESDAY, Oct. 1, 2019 -- A new 3-in-1 asthma drug inhaler may provide better and easier control of symptoms for tough-to-treat patients, two new studies suggest.

The two phase 3 trials involved more than 2,500 asthma patients across 17 countries. Patients tested out an inhaler that contained three drugs: A steroid preventer to control inflammation; a long-acting bronchodilator to keep airways open; and a drug called glycopyrronium to help boost airflow.

Sick Americans Turning to Medical Pot for Help

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- More Americans use marijuana to help them cope with an illness than just to get high, a new study finds.

Nearly 46% of those who use pot say they do so because of a medical condition, compared with 22% who say they use marijuana for recreation.

Flavored E-Cigarettes May Make Asthma Worse

FRIDAY, Sept. 20, 2019 -- Black licorice, banana pudding and other flavored electronic cigarette liquids may make respiratory diseases like asthma worse, a new international study finds.

Vaping has surged in recent years, especially among young people. An estimated 9% of 18- to 24-year-olds use e-cigarettes in the United States.