New! Lung Microbiome Monograph - available now

Studying the lung microbiome requires a specialist approach to sampling, laboratory techniques and statistical analysis. The latest ERS Monograph on The Lung Microbiome introduces the techniques used and discusses how respiratory sampling, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, metagenomics and the application of ecological theory can be used to examine the respiratory mircobiome. It examines the different components of the respiratory microbiome, and considers a range of contexts and respiratory diseases. Access the book online here or order your print copy at ersbookshop.com

Breathe: March issue available now

The March issue of Breathe is now online. This issue focuses on over- and underdiagnosis and over- and undertreatment of respiratory diseases. It includes reviews on under- and overdiagnosis of COPD across the world and on whether a strategy of aggressive management of solitary pulmonary nodules pays off. Read the introductory editorial from Chief Editor Claudia Dobler here to find out more or access the full issue at breathe.ersjournals.com

HCWs in low- and middle-income countries: high prevalance of TB infection

According to a new study published in the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ), healthcare workers (HCWs) and students who work in high tuberculosis (TB) incidence settings in low- and middle-income countries remain at increased risk of acquiring latent TB infection. Access the study here or browse the ERJ at erj.ersjournals.com

New ERS task force statement: exercise and rehab in chronic PH

An international task force of pulmonary hypertension (PH) has published a new ERS statement in the European Respiratory Journal (ERJ), focusing on exercise training and rehabilitation in patients with severe chronic PH. The task force included a multidisciplinary team from 18 centres in 11 European countries, whose objectives were to summarise current studies, develop strategies for future research and increase availability and awareness of exercise training for PH patients. Read the statement in full here or browse the ERJ at erj.ersjournals.com

Rare Disease Day: commemorative offer

Thursday 28 February is Rare Disease Day. To mark this event, you can download the ebook of the ERS Monograph on Orphan Lung Diseases for free. This ebook covers the most common and/or complex of these diseases, acting as a solid companion to the respiratory physician when considering a diagnosis. To get this book, visit books.ersjournals.com before 8 March, add the entire book to your cart and complete the purchase process as normal. You will not be charged.

Asthma: ICS underuse and lack of regular healthcare contact still a problem

A study recently published in ERJ Open Research looks at the changes in asthma treatment over a 20-year period. The study compares data from three surveys (European Community Respiratory Health Surveys I, II and III) in 24 centres and 11 countries. It found that despite increased inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use, only 34% of subjects with persistent asthma take ICSs on a regular basis, and less than 50% have seen a doctor in the last year. Underuse of ICSs and a lack of regular healthcare contact therefore still seems to be a problem in asthma. Access the study in full here or browse ERJ Open Research at openres.ersjournals.com

Yochai Adir: continuing the success of the ERR

New Chief Editor of the European Respiratory Review (ERR), Yochai Adir, has begun his mandate with the publication of an editorial in the current issue. In it, he considers the challenges ahead as Chief Editor and details the ways in which he will strive to ensure the ERR's continuing success, beginning with a restructured, diverse Editorial Board. Read the editorial in full here or browse the ERR at err.ersjournals.com