Long-Term Use of Antibiotic May Help Those With COPD

TUESDAY, May 21 (HealthDay News) -- Thousands of Americans, many of them smokers or ex-smokers, suffer from the lung condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Now a new study finds that patients placed on the common antibiotic azithromycin may be able to cut down on hospitalizations due to flare-ups of the disease.

 Racial Disparities Seen in U.S. Lung Cancer Treatment

TUESDAY, May 21 (HealthDay News) -- Racial disparities exist in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer among hospitals in the United States, according to a large new study.

 Genes May Boost Woman's Risk of Postpartum Depression

TUESDAY, May 21 (HealthDay News) -- Pregnant women with specific alterations in two genes may be at increased risk of suffering depression after giving birth, a small new study suggests.

 Health Tip: Run Smart, Run Safe

(HealthDay News) -- The next time you go for a run or jog, staying safe should be your first concern.

 Health Tip: Possible Causes of Dry Eye

(HealthDay News) -- You produce tears to help keep your eyes moist and protected from irritants. But dry eye can make your eyes vulnerable and uncomfortable.

 Primary Care Docs Should Play Role in Kids' Dental Health, Experts Say

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- When it comes to the care of your children's teeth, dentists aren't the only experts who can help.

 Sugar Injections for Knee Arthritis May Ease Pain: Study

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Injections of a sugar solution appear to help relieve knee pain and stiffness related to osteoarthritis, a new study suggests.

 Newer, Pricier Prostate Cancer Radiation No Better Than Old: Study

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- The costly form of radiation therapy that has become the norm for prostate cancer in the United States may be no better than the older, cheaper variety -- at least for some men, a new study suggests.

 Losing Weight May Ease Chronic Heartburn

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Obese and overweight men and women who suffer from heartburn often report relief when they lose weight, a new study shows.

 Certain COPD Meds Might Raise Heart Risks, Study Says

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Long-acting inhaled medications used by millions of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may raise the risk of cardiovascular complications among older patients, a new large Canadian study reveals.

 Weekend 'Catch-Up' Sleep May Cut Young Drivers' Crash Risk

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Young drivers who get behind the wheel while drowsy run a higher risk of getting into car crashes, but Australian researchers have found that not catching up on missed sleep on weekends puts them in even greater danger of having an accident at night.

 Sports May Be OK With Defibrillator, Study Says

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Although people with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are often advised to avoid activities more strenuous than golf or bowling, new research suggests that many people with these heart devices can participate in more vigorous sports.

 Living Near Major Roadways in Pregnancy Tied to Respiratory Woes in Children

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- A child whose mother lived near heavy traffic while pregnant faces a relatively higher risk for developing a respiratory infection before the age of 3, a new study suggests.

 Noise, Dirty Air May Be Double Whammy for the Heart

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Air pollution and noise pollution both may boost the risk of heart disease, new research from Germany suggests.

 Favorite Music May Ease Anxiety in ICU Patients

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Music can help soothe the fear and anxiety of critically ill patients who have been placed on ventilators, reducing both their stress and their need for sedatives, according to a new study.

 Nighttime Docs at ICUs Don't Boost Patient Outcomes: Study

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Although many hospital intensive care units have a nighttime attending physician on staff to help improve outcomes, new research suggests this may have no clear benefit to patients.

 Women Less Likely to Get Trauma Center Care After Injury: Study

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- A new Canadian study has uncovered an apparent gender bias in the hospital setting, with women less likely than men to get trauma center care following a severe injury.

 Revised Sunscreen Labels Should Help Consumers Make Wiser Choices

MONDAY, May 20 (HealthDay News) -- Dermatologists are saying that new federally mandated labeling laws for sunscreens should help Americans make smarter choices when it comes to products that provide the best sun protection.

 Health Highlights: May 20, 2013

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay: