Pneumonia is one of the most common infections that was responsible for 14% of all deaths in children under the age of five, influencing the death of 740,180 children in 2019. It is a form of acute respiration infection that affects the lungs, making it difficult or painful to breathe. The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention statistics explain that the number of visits to the emergency department due to pneumonia happens to be 1.4 million people in 2021.

The symptoms and effects of pneumonia can be mild like coughing, shortness of breath to fever, chest pains nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. However, since the infection can be severe, doctors must treat them with urgency. To help them identify severe cases quicker, a new study published in the Lancet May 2025, reveals new models that can help doctors distinguish severe cases from the moderate ones.

Can This Help Lower The Risk Of Pneumonia

The researchers made an interesting discovery about common cold symptoms. They found that if a child has a runny nose and feels stuffed up, they are actually less likely to have a more serious type of pneumonia. In fact, the chances are lower by quite a bit! On the other hand, the study also pointed out some warning signs that suggest a child might have severe pneumonia.

The research showed that some common cold symptoms, like a runny nose and congestion, actually means a child is less likely (by 41%) to have a more serious form of pneumonia. On the other hand, certain signs like stomach pain, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, and low oxygen levels in the blood point to a higher chance of severe pneumonia in children.

The study pointed out that doctors haven't had a good way to know for sure which of these children are in danger of getting much sicker. This new research is trying to fix that problem by giving doctors better tools to quickly identify the kids who need the most help right away.

Symptoms That Identified Mild from Severe Pneumonia

The researchers analyzed 2,200 children between the age bracket of 3 months and 14 years of age. The symptoms that were associated with increased risk of moderate or severe pneumonia

• Children with stomach pain had a significantly higher chance (52%) of having moderate or severe pneumonia.
• Kids who wouldn't drink fluids also faced a greater likelihood (57%) of a more serious pneumonia case.
• If a child had already been given antibiotics before coming to the emergency room, their risk of moderate or severe pneumonia was notably higher (64%).
• Labored breathing made the risk of moderate or severe pneumonia almost three times (2.8 times) as high.
• A faster than normal heartbeat also indicated a considerably increased risk (64%) of more serious pneumonia.

Pneumonia's Impact on Children's Health

Pneumonia is not just a minor illness; it's actually one of the most common infections that affects children all across the globe. It's also a very frequent reason why children in the United States end up needing to be admitted to the hospital. This shows just how important it is for doctors and scientists to really understand pneumonia and find the best ways to diagnose it, treat it, and even predict how serious it might become for each child who gets it.

Researchers pointed out that said that while most kids who get pneumonia will thankfully have a milder form of the illness, there's a small group, about 5 out of every 100 children, who will become very sick and might develop serious health problems. It's absolutely crucial for doctors to be able to spot these children very early on. This way, they can start strong and fast treatments to stop their condition from getting worse and potentially causing long-term issues.

Impact of This Study On Pneumonia Care

Being able to tell how severe a child's pneumonia will be doesn't just help the very sick kids. It can also help the kids who are likely to have a milder illness. If doctors can confidently say that a child's pneumonia is not serious, they can avoid doing extra medical tests that might not be needed. They can also prevent the child from having to stay in the hospital if it's not really necessary, which can be a big relief for both the child and their family.

If menopause had a social media profile, its relationship status with women’s health would be… “complicated”. Sure, the hot flashes and mood swings grab most of the headlines, but lurking quietly in the background is another issue: bone loss. Oestrogen is important when it comes to keeping bones strong. Once its levels dip during menopause, women become much more prone to osteoporosis.”

Why Oestrogen Is Crucial

Bone is a living tissue that constantly rebuilds and repairs itself. Oestrogen is what keeps this construction site running smoothly. “When oestrogen drops, the balance between bone building and bone breakdown collapses,” explains Dr. Pramila Kalra, Consultant, Department of Endocrinology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital. This leads to bones that weaken faster than they can repair.

And it’s not just an invisible problem on a scan. Weakened bones translate into fractures from the most minor of falls. Hips, spines, and wrists are the usual casualties. “To put it into perspective, women over 50 face a 15% lifetime risk of hip fracture, and recovering from one can seriously affect independence,” says Dr. Kalra.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

“HRT replaces the hormones your body no longer produces enough of after menopause, and this can significantly slow down bone loss,” says Dr. Kalra. Not only does it help bones maintain their density, but in some cases, it can even nudge bone strength upwards.

HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all pill. It comes in forms that suit different lifestyles: tablets, patches, gels, and even sprays. For women with a uterus, progesterone usually joins the prescription party to protect the uterine lining. And along with stronger bones, many women also notice relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and that infamous menopause brain fog.

Is HRT Right for You?

Before you rush to the pharmacy, there are questions worth asking. “HRT works best for women who have severe menopausal symptoms or are at a high risk of osteoporosis,” says Dr. Kalra. Women who experience early menopause, particularly before age 45, are often strong candidates for HRT because their bones face years of oestrogen shortfall.

Safety concerns around HRT have caused plenty of headlines in the past. But newer research has changed the conversation. “When HRT is started within 10 years of menopause and before age 60, the benefits outweigh the risks for most women,” explains Dr. Kalra.

Still, the risks are not zero. There may be a slight increase in the chance of blood clots or breast cancer depending on personal health, the type of HRT, and how long it’s used. “That’s why an individualised discussion with your doctor is crucial. It’s about weighing your personal benefits against possible risks,” she stresses.

A Bigger Bone Health Plan

Dr. Kalra recommends thinking beyond medication. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise—particularly weight-bearing workouts—and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol are all essential. “HRT is most effective as part of a holistic bone health plan,” she says.

The Need for Personalised Care

There’s no “universal prescription” for menopause management. “The decision to start HRT must be highly individualised,” advises Dr. Kalra. Your doctor will consider your family history, existing health conditions, and results from a bone density scan. Together, you can discuss the type, dose, and duration of therapy that best fits your needs.

The conversation should cover not just symptoms but also your future risks. “It’s not about erasing menopause—it’s about empowering women to make informed choices so they can stay active and independent for years to come,” says Dr. Kalra.

Menopause may be inevitable, but brittle bones don’t have to be. With the right support, including HRT where appropriate, women can safeguard their bone health and dramatically reduce their risk of fractures. “Think of it as investing in your future mobility and independence,” Dr. Kalra concludes.

Autism is often painted as a childhood condition, usually spotted in the school playground when social quirks or communication differences raise eyebrows. But what happens when those children grow up without anyone connecting the dots? According to new research from King’s College London, the answer is unsettling: most autistic adults over 40 are still flying under the diagnostic radar.

The review, published in the Annual Review of Developmental Psychology, estimates that a staggering 89 per cent of people over 40 with autism remain undiagnosed. To put that into perspective, while around 23 per cent of autistic children under 19 are missed, nearly 96 per cent of those over 60 have never been recognised as autistic. That’s not just a gap; that’s a canyon.

The Age Factor

When the researchers broke it down by age and gender, the numbers looked even more lopsided. Among men aged 40 to 59, more than 91 per cent had never been diagnosed. For women in the same age group, the figure was almost 80 per cent. By the time people reached their sixties, both men and women crossed into the 96 to 97 per cent range of being undiagnosed.

Compare that with the 20 to 39 age group, where roughly half remained undiagnosed, and the generational divide becomes clear. Today’s younger adults are far more likely to be spotted, assessed and supported. Older adults, meanwhile, have often been left to muddle through without a name for their lifelong differences.

Why It Matters

Gavin Stewart, lead author of the study, explains that a lack of diagnosis means many autistic adults were never offered the right support, leaving them more vulnerable to age-related problems. These range from social isolation to poor physical and mental health.

The review found that autistic people in middle age and beyond have higher rates of almost every health condition compared to non-autistic peers, like heart disease, neurological issues, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal problems, anxiety and depression. Add age-related conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and Parkinson’s disease, and the picture gets even more complicated.

Even more concerning, autistic older adults were six times more likely to report suicidal thoughts or self-harm and four times more likely to develop early-onset dementia.

The Hidden Struggles

The study highlighted another layer of challenge: healthcare itself. Many older autistic adults face obstacles in accessing medical support due to communication differences, sensory sensitivities or simply not knowing how to navigate the system. Combine that with a shortage of healthcare professionals trained in recognising autism in adults, and it’s no wonder so many cases slip through the cracks.

Professor Francesca Happé, co-author of the review, stresses that this is a global public health issue. “Understanding the needs of autistic people as they age is a pressing global public health concern. As autistic people age, the nature of the challenges they face changes. We must adopt a lifespan approach that funds long-term research, integrates tailored healthcare, and expands social supports so that ageing autistic people can live happy and healthy lives,” she says. In other words, autism doesn’t disappear after childhood, so neither should support.

Lost in the Shuffle

The findings also suggest that research into autism may have been skewed for years. If most older adults remain undiagnosed, then studies have largely overlooked them. That means our current understanding of how autistic people age is incomplete at best. No wonder policies and services have not caught up.

Employment struggles, strained relationships and social isolation were all noted as common experiences for older autistic adults. Without the framework of a diagnosis, many never knew why they felt out of step with the world, and their difficulties were often chalked up to personality flaws or “just how they are”.

Why a Diagnosis Still Matters

If you’re wondering whether getting a diagnosis later in life makes a difference, the answer is yes. Recognition can bring clarity, opening doors to support systems, healthcare adaptations and even financial benefits. It can also reshape how family, friends and colleagues understand a person’s behaviour and needs.

The NHS encourages adults who suspect they might be autistic to speak to their GP and ask about a referral for an assessment. Specialists can help by gathering life history, speaking with people who know you well and observing how you interact with others.

A Call for Change

The review ends with a clear message: it’s time to stop treating autism as a childhood-only issue. For too long, older autistic adults have been invisible, their experiences untold and their needs unmet. With diagnosis rates still alarmingly low, researchers are urging more studies, better services and a cultural shift that embraces autism across the lifespan.

When blockbuster diabetes drugs double as miracle weight-loss injections, it seems like everyone wants in. But now, the same medications are making headlines for possible vision loss.

The Double Life of GLP-1 Drugs

Originally designed to regulate blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 receptor agonists, which cover Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus and others, quickly became famous in the weight-loss world. Social media crowned them the “skinny jab”, while pharmaceutical companies rushed out new versions to keep up with demand.

But as prescriptions soared, so did reports of odd side effects. Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), intestinal blockages and now a rare vision condition are creeping into the conversation. It turns out shedding pounds might come with strings attached, ones that affect more than your waistline.

A Shadow on the Horizon: NAION

The latest condition in this story is nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, or NAION for short. It is a mouthful, but the condition itself is no joke. NAION can blur vision permanently or even lead to blindness by damaging the optic nerve.

Whispers of this link first appeared in mid-2024, when Harvard researchers published a study claiming Ozempic users faced a seven-fold higher risk of NAION compared to non-users. Just weeks later, another paper in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested the concern was not limited to Ozempic; it was likely an issue across the entire GLP-1 family.

What the Experts Are Saying

Researchers point out that while there is a measurable increase in eye complications, the story isn’t as clear-cut as it sounds.

A recent retrospective study found a slight but significant uptick, about 7 per cent, in new cases of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among GLP-1 users. DR is a common complication of diabetes itself, where blood vessels in the retina become damaged. Interestingly, though, these same patients did not show a higher risk of progressing to severe complications like proliferative retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema.

Reports suggest that patients on GLP-1 drugs should be screened regularly for eye problems, no matter their baseline status. In other words, keep your ophthalmologist on speed dial.

From Courtrooms to Clinics

While doctors debate the data, lawyers are already busy. Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound, has asked federal judges to consolidate the growing pile of lawsuits into one massive multidistrict litigation (MDL). This would lump together claims of optic nerve damage with the thousands of cases already filed over gastroparesis.

The lawsuits accuse manufacturers of pushing profits over patient safety, alleging that the risks of vision loss were downplayed or overlooked. With more patients joining the legal fray, the story is no longer confined to medical journals; it is unfolding in courtrooms across the US.

The Balancing Act for Patients

For people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs remain highly effective. They lower blood sugar, help with weight loss, and even offer some protection against heart disease. For many, the benefits still outweigh the risks.

But the newfound spotlight on NAION is a reminder that no drug is without trade-offs. Those weekly injections may slim waistlines, but they also highlight the need for vigilance. Patients should discuss eye health with their doctors, schedule regular check-ups, and report any sudden changes in vision immediately.