Background: In this comprehensive retrospective nationwide cohort study, we examined the relationships between various asthma medications and bone health, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea. Methods: From 2015 to 2019, the relevant dataset included 168,611 individuals aged 66 years, among whom 8,747 were diagnosed with asthma. We focused on a subset of 6,173 patients, all 66-year-old women. Participants were categorized into four groups: nonusers of asthma medication (n=2,868), leukotriene antagonist users (n=2,281), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users (n=517), and those using a combination of ICS and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS+LABA) medication (n=507). The primary outcomes measured were the incidences of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures during the follow-up period. Results: Over 2.7 years of follow-up, 615 cases of major osteoporotic fractures and 96 cases of hip fractures were recorded. ICS users exhibited a heightened risk of both injuries, with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.63; P<0.001) for major osteoporotic fractures and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.83; P<0.001) for hip fractures. Similarly elevated risks were observed in the ICS+LABA group. Notably, the risk associated with ICS was particularly pronounced among patients with osteopenia for both fracture types. Overall, the use of ICS, alone or in combination with LABA, in patients with asthma is associated with significantly increased risks of osteoporotic fractures, especially among those with osteopenia. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of considering bone health when managing asthma, especially in older patients and those with existing bone density issues.

Background: In this comprehensive retrospective nationwide cohort study, we examined the relationships between various asthma medications and bone health, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea. Methods: From 2015 to 2019, the relevant dataset included 168,611 individuals aged 66 years, among whom 8,747 were diagnosed with asthma. We focused on a subset of 6,173 patients, all 66-year-old women. Participants were categorized into four groups: nonusers of asthma medication (n=2,868), leukotriene antagonist users (n=2,281), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users (n=517), and those using a combination of ICS and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS+LABA) medication (n=507). The primary outcomes measured were the incidences of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures during the follow-up period. Results: Over 2.7 years of follow-up, 615 cases of major osteoporotic fractures and 96 cases of hip fractures were recorded. ICS users exhibited a heightened risk of both injuries, with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.63; P<0.001) for major osteoporotic fractures and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.83; P<0.001) for hip fractures. Similarly elevated risks were observed in the ICS+LABA group. Notably, the risk associated with ICS was particularly pronounced among patients with osteopenia for both fracture types. Overall, the use of ICS, alone or in combination with LABA, in patients with asthma is associated with significantly increased risks of osteoporotic fractures, especially among those with osteopenia. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of considering bone health when managing asthma, especially in older patients and those with existing bone density issues.

Background: In this comprehensive retrospective nationwide cohort study, we examined the relationships between various asthma medications and bone health, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea. Methods: From 2015 to 2019, the relevant dataset included 168,611 individuals aged 66 years, among whom 8,747 were diagnosed with asthma. We focused on a subset of 6,173 patients, all 66-year-old women. Participants were categorized into four groups: nonusers of asthma medication (n=2,868), leukotriene antagonist users (n=2,281), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users (n=517), and those using a combination of ICS and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS+LABA) medication (n=507). The primary outcomes measured were the incidences of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures during the follow-up period. Results: Over 2.7 years of follow-up, 615 cases of major osteoporotic fractures and 96 cases of hip fractures were recorded. ICS users exhibited a heightened risk of both injuries, with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.63; P<0.001) for major osteoporotic fractures and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.83; P<0.001) for hip fractures. Similarly elevated risks were observed in the ICS+LABA group. Notably, the risk associated with ICS was particularly pronounced among patients with osteopenia for both fracture types. Overall, the use of ICS, alone or in combination with LABA, in patients with asthma is associated with significantly increased risks of osteoporotic fractures, especially among those with osteopenia. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of considering bone health when managing asthma, especially in older patients and those with existing bone density issues.

Background: In this comprehensive retrospective nationwide cohort study, we examined the relationships between various asthma medications and bone health, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service database of South Korea. Methods: From 2015 to 2019, the relevant dataset included 168,611 individuals aged 66 years, among whom 8,747 were diagnosed with asthma. We focused on a subset of 6,173 patients, all 66-year-old women. Participants were categorized into four groups: nonusers of asthma medication (n=2,868), leukotriene antagonist users (n=2,281), inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) users (n=517), and those using a combination of ICS and long-acting beta-agonist (ICS+LABA) medication (n=507). The primary outcomes measured were the incidences of major osteoporotic fractures and hip fractures during the follow-up period. Results: Over 2.7 years of follow-up, 615 cases of major osteoporotic fractures and 96 cases of hip fractures were recorded. ICS users exhibited a heightened risk of both injuries, with hazard ratios of 1.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18 to 1.63; P<0.001) for major osteoporotic fractures and 1.56 (95% CI, 1.33 to 1.83; P<0.001) for hip fractures. Similarly elevated risks were observed in the ICS+LABA group. Notably, the risk associated with ICS was particularly pronounced among patients with osteopenia for both fracture types. Overall, the use of ICS, alone or in combination with LABA, in patients with asthma is associated with significantly increased risks of osteoporotic fractures, especially among those with osteopenia. Conclusion These findings underscore the importance of considering bone health when managing asthma, especially in older patients and those with existing bone density issues.

Background and Objectives: The medications preferred by patients for allergic rhinitis and their usage remain unclear. This study investigated treatment-seeking behaviors in patients with allergic rhinitis, including medical treatments, environmental controls, and surgical treatments. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by internal medicine, pediatric, or otorhinolaryngology physicians at university hospitals from January 2022 to April 2022. A questionnaire was administered to patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis to collect information regarding medical treatments (prescription and over-the-counter medication use patterns, comorbid asthma, and allergen-specific immunotherapy), environmental controls (usage of air purifiers and pet avoidance), and experiences with surgical treatments. Results: We included 51 patients with allergic rhinitis with a mean age of 31.6±16.0 years. Among them, 47 (92.2%) and 6 (11.8%) patients had pollen allergies and asthma, respectively. Furthermore, 41 (80.4%) patients took prescribed medicines, while 39 (76.5%) patients only used the medication when experiencing symptoms. Thirty patients (58.8%) reported concurrent use of intranasal sprays and oral medications. Thirty-three patients (64.7%) reported awareness of immunotherapy, and there were no preferential differences between subcutaneous (52%) and sublingual immunotherapy (48%). Of the 36 patients (70.6%) who reported using an air purifier, 38.9% considered it helpful in preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Fourteen patients (27.5%) currently or previously had a companion animal, with half experiencing worsening of symptoms. Twelve patients had received surgical treatment and reported high satisfaction levels (41.6%, very satisfied; 41.6%, satisfied). Conclusion Patients with allergic rhinitis showed similar preferences for oral and spray medications. They also showed satisfaction with surgical treatments and an interest in the environmental management of allergic rhinitis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background and Objectives: The medications preferred by patients for allergic rhinitis and their usage remain unclear. This study investigated treatment-seeking behaviors in patients with allergic rhinitis, including medical treatments, environmental controls, and surgical treatments. Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was conducted by internal medicine, pediatric, or otorhinolaryngology physicians at university hospitals from January 2022 to April 2022. A questionnaire was administered to patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis to collect information regarding medical treatments (prescription and over-the-counter medication use patterns, comorbid asthma, and allergen-specific immunotherapy), environmental controls (usage of air purifiers and pet avoidance), and experiences with surgical treatments. Results: We included 51 patients with allergic rhinitis with a mean age of 31.6±16.0 years. Among them, 47 (92.2%) and 6 (11.8%) patients had pollen allergies and asthma, respectively. Furthermore, 41 (80.4%) patients took prescribed medicines, while 39 (76.5%) patients only used the medication when experiencing symptoms. Thirty patients (58.8%) reported concurrent use of intranasal sprays and oral medications. Thirty-three patients (64.7%) reported awareness of immunotherapy, and there were no preferential differences between subcutaneous (52%) and sublingual immunotherapy (48%). Of the 36 patients (70.6%) who reported using an air purifier, 38.9% considered it helpful in preventing allergic rhinitis symptoms. Fourteen patients (27.5%) currently or previously had a companion animal, with half experiencing worsening of symptoms. Twelve patients had received surgical treatment and reported high satisfaction levels (41.6%, very satisfied; 41.6%, satisfied). Conclusion Patients with allergic rhinitis showed similar preferences for oral and spray medications. They also showed satisfaction with surgical treatments and an interest in the environmental management of allergic rhinitis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.