Researchers at the Lleida Biomedical Research Institute (IRBLLeida) have determined in a study that the appropriate use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy to treat sleep apnea reduces the risk of suffering cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events by 31%. Is.
The ‘Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)’ has published the findings of this work, which studied a condition that affects 20% to 30% of the adult population, and 80% of those affected are diagnosed with Is not done, IRBLleida reported in a statement this Wednesday.
It is a common, long-term disorder characterized by blockage of the upper airway during sleep, causing intermittent oxygen deprivation, sleep fragmentation, and changes in intrathoracic pressure, and puts those affected at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It happens.
This research demonstrates that adequate compliance with CPAP treatment (more than four hours of use per night) is an important factor in secondary cardiovascular prevention and reducing the risk of recurrence of a serious cardiovascular event.
The research was done by analyzing three studies, which could not individually demonstrate a beneficial effect of the treatment, with information from 4,186 patients.
Stress and anxiety, in addition to excessive use of screens, “have become epidemics that affect eye health and well-being” and can lead to “some pathologies directly”, as explained by Wissam Miranza ophthalmologist, Jorge Alio. .
During the presentation of the Third Barometer of Eye Well-Being, promoted by Miranza, Alio highlighted that excessive use of screens in childhood can lead to myopia, accommodative spasm, especially in those with presbyopia or eye strain, and dry eye, Especially increases with menopause.
The expert drew particular attention to screen abuse in the child population, which “increases myopia in children” and called for state regulation.
“In the use of screens by children, it is necessary that regulations are made at the political level. We cannot give excessive screens to children, they cause the progression of myopia and this is very harmful. Screens are a drug for children and We need state regulation in this regard, as parents we cannot compromise the mental and physical health of our children,” Aliou explained.
In this sense, the expert said that “It is estimated that in the year 2050, 50 percent of the population will be myopic, which is something we should be concerned about, because this refractive defect, beyond being a graduation problem, is more likely to suffer from it.” Risks include retinal disease and glaucoma”.
For his part, Miranja Begitek ophthalmologist, Itziar Martínez, who also participated in the presentation of the barometer, said that “the connection between dry eye and the screen is, mainly, the reduction of blinking when focusing on the screen reacts to.” , since the eyelids act like the windshield of a car and eye contact changes the tear film and the surface of the eye.
To avoid problems, ophthalmologists recommend taking visual breaks when looking into the distance and increasing outdoor activity, in addition to considering treatment with atropine eye drops to prevent myopia, especially in children.
Apart from screen abuse, experts have agreed that stress and anxiety are another health threat. According to the barometer, people who admit to suffering from stress or anxiety (half of those surveyed) are also one of the groups that rate their ocular condition as the worst.
“Stress and anxiety, in addition to directly causing certain pathologies such as central serous chorioretinopathy, which affects the retina, lead to a greater risk of suffering from diabetes, sleep problems, eating disorders and migraines, which can impair vision. Affects. And worsens processes like dryness. Eye, it’s a vicious cycle,” Aliou said.
III Barometer of eye well-being of the Spanish population
The III Barometer on the ophthalmic well-being of the Spanish population is based on a survey conducted on a thousand people over 25 years of age within the framework of World Sight Day, which is celebrated on 12 October.
The survey highlighted that the eye well-being index of Spaniards is 5.22 out of 10, slightly lower than last year, which was 5.24. However, at the age of 41 to 64 years it fails with a grade of 4.85.
For experts, factors such as lack of awareness about the relationship between lifestyle and vision, and the fact that, for the most part, ophthalmic checkups are sporadic or only if a problem arises, influence this assessment. can do.
Despite this, 75 percent of those surveyed rated their eye health as fair, while the percentage dropped to 3 percent if only those who rated it as good or excellent were considered.
Another result of the study shows that 82 percent of respondents between 41 and 64 years of age confirmed that they are concerned about their vision and are most aware of the need to take care of it (93%). Despite this, and although generally 8 out of 10 people believe that it should be reviewed annually, the average number of reviews does not even reach one per year.
Regarding the greater concern and poor perception of their ophthalmic condition in the age group of 41 to 64 years, Itziar Martínez affirms that “40 is the age of fear”, in which eye problems begin for the first time. Vision for many people, such as presbyopia or the presence of eye strain.
Aliou recalled, “We cannot avoid aging and aging will bring about changes, but it does not have to lead to vision loss. Early diagnosis can prevent pure vision loss.”
Symptoms and pathology
On the other hand, studies show that at least 1 in 3 Spaniards have symptoms of visual problems, the most common of which are, in this order, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, feeling of vision loss, burning, itching. Or stinging and dryness in the eyes.
Furthermore, astigmatism, presbyopia and myopia lead the ranking of diagnosed ophthalmic pathologies.
Similarly, at the patients’ first visit to the clinic, the barometer indicated that 73 percent had pathological eyes, the most common problems being refractive error (80%), presbyopia (49.3%), cataract (21.3%), dry eye (9.3). Were. %) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (7.8%).
Various pediatricians from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) have highlighted that the use of screens, environmental and noise pollution, lack of sleep and poor diet are the major risk factors for children’s health, which are referred to in the “Health” Should be considered as. All perspectives of it.
First, sleep plays a critical role in healthy development during childhood and adolescence, and lack of sleep leads to decreased attention and overall academic performance, in addition to other disorders.
The coordinator of AEP’s Sleep and Chronobiology Group and head of the Department of Pediatrics declared, “Good rest is essential for a child’s overall health and noise and environmental air pollution are associated with poor sleep quality and poor school performance.” ” Dr. Gonzalo Pin Arboledas, of the Sleep Unit at the Quirón Salud Hospital in Valencia, said during the ‘P Day’ press conference held at the AEP headquarters this Monday.
In this sense, Dr. Pin said that, for example, “80 percent of children with autism spectrum disorders have sleep problems” and “only 10-11 percent of parents sleep more than six hours.” And with interruptions and this condition the quality of life of the child and his environment.
Similarly, he highlighted that “technological pollution is another important factor in sleep, even if it is not being used, the light from technology is affected and the body needs to rest for an hour or an hour and a half.” It takes time.” For this reason, sleep experts recommend “using classic alarm clocks instead of cell phones, because on average, a teen receives three messages during the night and this reduces sleep quality.”
To address all of these problems affecting the comprehensive health of children and adolescents, coinciding with the celebration of Pediatrician Day (‘Pee Day’) on October 8, AEP has released a manifesto that includes 12 areas of activity. Are. Which pediatric teams contribute knowledge.
These areas of knowledge are: health promotion, childhood vaccination, nutrition and breastfeeding, pediatric medicines, pain, sleep, environmental health, quality of care and patient safety, bioethics, scientific evidence, solidarity, training and research, professional competence and history. And the future of pediatrics.
Thus, the motto chosen for this year is ‘Working together for children and adolescents’, to highlight that raising healthy children is a collaborative task that requires the knowledge, Research and dialogue are required.
“We have a message for health promotion, which is why it is so important to convey it. Pediatrician communication with families is essential because parents trust you and you must convey the message in a clear and simple way.” are able to, health will improve, “said Dr. Julio Álvarez Pitti, coordinator of the Health Promotion Committee of the AEP and pediatrician at the Unit against Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk of the General Hospital of Valencia and researcher of CIBEROBN.
In addition, the AEP has eleven committees, five working groups, and three research and training forums that review the latest scientific evidence and translate it into practical recommendations for parents and health professionals.
Among the major points that concern pediatricians about children’s health, Dr. Pitti particularly highlights the problem of childhood obesity because “18 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 16 have childhood obesity. is” and “It is a more prevalent disease in childhood.”
In this regard, the expert warned about the impact of “ultra-processed foods, lack of physical activity or sedentary lifestyle, influenced by excessive use of screens, causing children to stay in their homes instead of playing with other children.” Prefer to stay inside.” ,
Quality of care and patient safety
Other functions of the AEP are to enhance patient safety by preventing and reducing risks associated with health care activity, using tools to improve the performance of pediatricians, and promoting training to achieve excellent health care. , This work is performed by AEP Quality Care. and Patient Safety Committee.
“Therapy quality involves applying the right methods to the patient who needs it and in an effective way. For example, cough syrup does not improve mucus or cough or antibiotic treatment is used with the diagnosis and time required. Must be done” explained Dr. Pilar Díaz Pernas, member of this committee and primary care pediatrician at the Rosa Luxemburgo Health Center in Alcobendas.