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Mucus Plugs In Lungs Linked To Impaired Pulmonary Function

Mucus plugs in the lungs were associated with impaired pulmonary function in a large general population study, according to research findings presented at the American College of Chest Physicians 2024 Annual Meeting (CHEST 2024), held October 6 to 9, in Boston, Massachusetts.

Researchers analyzed mucus plugs with use of computed tomography (CT) images for 1260 individuals in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation cohorts.

A mucus plugs score included the number of pulmonary segments with mucus plugs, which ranged from 0 to 18 and dichotomized as 0 (no mucus plug) and at least 1 (mucus plug present).

Spirometry was performed using standard procedures. The association between mucus plugs and outcomes of forced expiratory volume in 1 second percent predicted (ppFEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was evaluated with multivariable linear and logistic regression models in a generalized estimating equation. The models were adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, pack-years, and familial relationships.

Airway-occluding mucus plugs in the general population may provide a target for prevention and therapy of airway disease.

The cohort had a mean age of 63 years, 54.3% were women, and their mean ppFEV1 was 98%. A total of 341 (27%) individuals had mucus plugs on CT, and 300 (25.8%) had COPD.

Patients with mucus plugs had reduced lung function compared with individuals without mucus plugs in adjusted models (estimate, –0.074 [SE, 0.012]; P &lt;.0001; equivalent to 7.4% lower ppFEV1) and increased odds of COPD (odds ratio 2.23; 95% CI, 1.59-3.11; P &lt;.0001).

"Airway-occluding mucus plugs in the general population may provide a target for prevention and therapy of airway disease," the investigators stated.

Disclosure: Some of the study authors declared affiliations with biotech, pharmaceutical, and/or device companies. Please see the original reference for a full list of authors' disclosures.

After Lung Transplant, Woman Finds Love With Late Donor's Brother

A West Virginia woman married the love of her life on Sept. 28 after receiving a double lung transplant and meeting and falling in love with her late donor's brother.

Jennifer Ellis, who also happens to be Ms. West Virginia America 2015, underwent a double-lung transplant at Cleveland Clinic in 2019, receiving a set of lungs from late donor Jill Ellis.

"My call came. The lungs are here. They found a set for me and I'm so excited," Jennifer Ellis said in a video recorded shortly before her transplant surgery. "It's definitely bittersweet because I know that some beautiful young lady had to pass away in order for me to get my lungs. I don't know that I'll ever know who you are, but thank you."

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According to Cleveland Clinic, Jennifer Ellis was born with situs inversus, a rare condition where the body's organs are flipped.

Jennifer Ellis was born with a rare condition called situs inversus and also has primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare disease that can cause breathing problems and infections.

Courtesy of Jennifer Ellis

"My heart, stomach and spleen are on the right side instead of the left, and my gallbladder and liver are on the left instead of the right," Jennifer Ellis told Cleveland Clinic.

After being diagnosed with situs inversus at birth, Ellis was later diagnosed with primary ciliary dyskinesia, a condition that can lead to frequent sinus infections, lung damage, and can also be associated with situs inversus, according to the National Institutes of Health.

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Jennifer Ellis' condition turned into a chronic situation, and despite previously leading an active lifestyle, doctors eventually recommended her for the transplant waiting list.

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"I was very active before this, but that had to stop, because it got to the point where I was constantly hooked up to machines. I couldn't really go anywhere except for the doctor's [office]," Jennifer Ellis told Cleveland Clinic.

After receiving her new lungs, Jennifer Ellis said she experienced transplant rejection, but she said she is working with her care team to build up her lung strength.

Jennifer and Travis Ellis married in West Virginia on Sept. 28, 2024.

Courtesy of Jennifer Ellis

Along the way, she met her late donor Jill Ellis' family, including her brother Travis Ellis, who lived in Wisconsin.

"When I met Travis for the first time, I thought he was cute as could be," Jennifer Ellis told Cleveland Clinic. "But I never thought in a thousand years it would turn into anything. It wasn't even an option in my head because of the distance."

But the two hit it off and became friends in what Jennifer Ellis described to Cleveland Clinic as an "instant" connection. Later, their friendship turned into something more, and they fell in love.

Jennifer and Travis Ellis married in West Virginia on Sept. 28, 2024.

Courtesy Karen Akers

"Whenever she was at the hospital, I would check on her so she didn't feel lonely. Everything just happened naturally," Travis Ellis told Cleveland Clinic.

Travis Ellis proposed to Jennifer in July 2023 and the couple tied the knot 14 months later. In addition to their families and friends, the Ellises also said "I do" in front of their guest of honor, one of Jennifer Ellis' doctors, Dr. Marie Budev, a pulmonologist and the medical director of Cleveland Clinic's lung transplant and heart-lung transplant programs.

Jennifer Ellis with one of her doctors – Dr. Marie Budev, a pulmonologist and the medical director of Cleveland Clinic's lung transplant and heart-lung transplant programs.

Courtesy of Jennifer Ellis

"When Jennifer asked me to be the guest of honor at her wedding, I was so flattered," Budev said. "But the real guest of honor is her donor, and [she was] there with us in spirit."

Jennifer Ellis said organ donation saves lives and Jill Ellis' gift to her has been nothing short of life-changing.

"Becoming an organ donor saves lives. It allows others to create memories they wouldn't have if it wasn't for organ donation," she said. "Without my donor, I would have never met the love of my life."

Scientists Find Disturbing Link Between Plastic Pollution And Health Disparities — Here's What You Need To Know

Numerous studies confirm that microplastics disproportionately affect Black individuals more than people from other races.

The reasons for this phenomenon are linked to where Black people live and how personal care products are marketed to them.

What's happening?

Blavity referenced a collection of research studies between 2017 and 2023 to reach this conclusion.

One study showed that predominantly Black communities are often located near plastic factories and incinerators. In these areas, the risks of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, childhood leukemia, asthma, and other serious medical conditions are more severe.

Another study revealed that 64% of people facing cancer risks from plastic factories are people of color. Meanwhile, a separate study found that 79% of municipal solid waste incinerators are in BIPOC and low-income communities.

Statistics also show that most personal care and hygiene products marketed to Black people, such as ethnic hair and skin care products, come in single-use plastic bottles.

Watch now: How did Hurricane Helene wreak havoc so far inland? Why is the connection between microplastics and race important?

The revelations about how microplastics are affecting Black people are alarming because of the toll microplastics take on so many aspects of human health. Beyond their environmental impact, microplastics have been linked to many increased health risks, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and miscarriages.

Even without the presence of microplastics, these are conditions that Black people are already more likely to be affected by than other races due to their genetics.

The production, use, and disposal of plastic items profoundly impact the lives of people in Black communities. This fact is also troubling because even without microplastics factored into daily life, Black people experience disproportionate access to quality medical care, higher uninsured rates, and shorter life expectancies than white people.

Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind What's being done about microplastics in our communities?

Especially for Black people, but regardless of your race or ethnic identity, you can take practical and actionable steps to reduce your exposure to microplastics.

To use less plastic in daily life, you can find alternatives to plastic food containers, stop using plastic grocery bags, and ditch disposable water bottles. There are safer and cost-effective alternatives to single-use health and beauty products and eco-friendly beauty and health brands that you can support to cut plastic out of your life.

Blavity suggested other excellent tips for avoiding microplastics in our plastic-filled world, such as avoiding heating plastic containers in the microwave, choosing minimally processed protein foods, and using an air purifier to remove microplastics from the air in your home.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.

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