Cochrane

Review question We wanted to find out if one type of artificial breathing device used in adults during anaesthesia is more effective and safer than another. Background Patients anaesthetized for surgical procedures often need to be put on artificial breathing machines (ventilators) to help their breathing. This involves putting into the patient's ...

Review question Does the use of prolonged (or sustained, > 1 second duration) lung inflation rather than standard inflations (≤ 1 second) improve survival and other important outcomes among newly born babies receiving resuscitation at birth? Background At birth, the lungs are filled with fluid, which must be replaced by air for babies to breathe ...

Why is this question important? When people have a severe attack of COPD, their breathing becomes very difficult. This can turn into breathing failure (acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF)) that often requires urgent hospital-based medical care. One of the treatments that may be given is breathing support (intubation and mechanical ventilation). ...

Protocol: To assess the effects and safety of interventions targeting cognition, emotion or both as the predominant underlying mechanism of effect to relieve breathlessness in adults suffering from advanced diseases.

Protocol: To assess the effects and safety of interventions targeting respiration as the predominant underlying mechanism of effect to relieve breathlessness in adults suffering from advanced diseases.

Protocol: To assess the effects and safety of interventions targeting physical functioning as the predominant underlying mechanism of effect to relieve breathlessness in adults suffering from advanced diseases.

Review question We reviewed the effectiveness and safety of umeclidinium inhalers compared with placebo (dummy) inhalers in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Background People with COPD are often breathless and have poor quality of life. Symptoms may worsen during flare-ups, increasing healthcare expenses and reducing life ...

Review question What is the effect of zinc supplementation in the treatment of children with measles? Background Measles infection has reduced globally over the last decade, but large outbreaks still occur, especially in low-income countries. Zinc is one of the essential micronutrients necessary for the optimal functioning of the immune system. ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence about the effect of a non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) vaccine in preventing repeated H influenzae infections in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or chronic bronchitis. Background People with COPD can have frequent infections that worsen symptoms of their lung disease, that ...

Review question We wanted to know whether antibiotics improve outcomes for people with acute bronchitis. We also assessed potential adverse effects of antibiotic therapy. Background Acute bronchitis is a clinical diagnosis (based on medical signs and patient-reported symptoms) for an acute cough, which may or may not be associated with coughing ...