Podcast · Health

Thorax Podcast

by BMJ Group · English · Health

The Thorax podcast offers the latest insights in respiratory medicine. Each episode features in-depth interviews with renowned authors and leading experts in the field, delving into the latest respiratory research and treatments. Thorax, an esteemed international journal from the BMJ Group and the B

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest: 2 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

2 Oct 2026 · 30 min

Interstitial lung disease: a global review series

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) can be considered an umbrella term for a large number of conditions involving inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It can come from a range of causes, including occupational exposures such as asbestosis or silicosis, environmental factors like animal exposure, or idiopathic pulmonary issues. The diagnosis and management of the disease can vary from region to region, and its prevalence is increasing around the world. Social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede is joined by the associate editors Sheetu Singh¹ and Nazia Chaudhuri², who have commissioned a series of…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E86 · 24 Aug 2026 · 23 min
The risks of inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal in COPD treatment
Previous trials on triple therapy inhaler use (ETHOS and IMPACT) were understood to show a reduction in mortality in COPD patients. However, a reanalysis published in Thorax shows that this benefit may have been misattributed. Host Dr. Kate Diomede is joined by the paper's authors, pharmacist Kari Leung¹ and physician Prof. Aroon Hingorani², both members of the North Central London Joint Formulary committee. Read the paper: Inhaled corticosteroid withdrawal and mortality rate in trials of triple therapy inhalers for COPD Further reading: Withdrawal of fluticasone propionate from combined…
E85 · 28 May 2026 · 19 min
A real-life study of blood eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide
In this episode, Thorax social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede speaks to Dr. Susan Muiser¹, author of a research paper based on the NOVELTY study that included over 12,000 patients globally with asthma, COPD, or asthma plus COPD. The research sought to find potential biomarkers that could link to exacerbations in these patients, giving consideration to blood eosinophils and fractional exhaled nitric oxide as possible candidates which could give insight into disease progression and treatment response. Read the paper: Association of blood eosinophils and exhaled nitric oxide with exacerbations…
E84 · 27 Feb 2026 · 32 min
Unpacking the BTS Trainee Survey 2024
Last year the British Thoracic Society published the results of their 2024 survey of trainees. Since then, a number of commentary pieces have been published in Thorax, and two authors join the podcast this episode. Dr. Abigail MacKintosh¹ a respiratory medicine trainee, and Dr. Daniel Smith², consultant and chair of the BTS workforce committee, join host Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss some of the issues identified and some potential solutions. Links: British Thoracic Society trainee survey 2024: what are the trainees saying and how will this impact the future workforce? Commentary on the 2024…
E83 · 7 Oct 2025 · 37 min
Bronchiectasis, with the PulmPEEPs
This journal club episode is guest-hosted by Dr. David Furfaro and Dr. Kristina Montemayor of the PulmPEEPs, in conversation with Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and Dr. George Doumat, author of a recent journal club article focussing on the theme of bronchiectasis. These papers highlight the exciting progress that is being seen in the treatment of this condition, and the challenges that remain ahead. Links: Journal club Phase 3 Trial of the DPP-1 Inhibitor Brensocatib in Bronchiectasis Cathepsin C (dipeptidyl peptidase 1) inhibition in adults with bronchiectasis: AIRLEAF,…
E81 · 2 Sep 2025 · 19 min
Smarter prescription of azithromycin using machine learning, with Prof. Wim Janssens
Prophylactic use of azithromycin is common in the management of COPD patients with frequent acute exacerbations. But its application is conservative due to concerns around adverse events, interactions with other drugs, and bacterial resistance. Given these concerns, it is important to identify patients who are likely to be responders or non-responders. According to the NICE guidance in the UK, you should consider azithromycin if the patient: Doesn't smoke. Has already accounted for non-drug treatments, inhaled therapies and vaccines. And has one or more of the following kinds of…
E80 · 17 Jun 2025 · 44 min
Sleep and ventilation, with the PulmPEEPs
Another journal club episode featuring guest-host Dr. Kristina Montemayor of the PulmPEEPs, in conversation with Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and Dr. Natalie McCleod, author of a recent journal club article focussing on the theme of ventilation and sleep. They discuss the four papers selected by Natalie, covering topics including CPAP therapy's benefit on blood pressure, and Hypoglossal nerve stimulation for obstructive sleep apnoea. Links: Journal club Effect of CPAP therapy on blood pressure in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a worldwide individual patient data…
E79 · 14 Feb 2025 · 20 min
Understanding the causes of asthma medication non-adherence in the USA
There are many factors which might contribute to asthma patients not adhering to their medication, such as access to services, or convenience of use. One well-known and important barrier in the United States is simply cost. Thorax social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede speaks to Dr. Chun-Tse Hung¹, Dr. Steven Erickson², and Prof. Chung-Hsuen Wu¹, the authors of a recent study on the subject. Read the paper: Cost-related non-adherence to medications among adults with asthma in the USA, 2011–2022 1. School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan 2. Department…
E78 · 16 Jan 2025 · 29 min
Pulmonary sarcoidosis, with Dr. Michelle Sharp
With no identified cause or cure, sarcoidosis is a challenging disease that has a heterogeneous presentation and an unpredictable clinical course. A recent paper in Thorax examined the outcomes for patients grouped by pulmonary function phenotypes, race and sex. First author for the study, Dr. Michelle Sharp¹, joins social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede to talk through the findings. Read the paper: Pulmonary sarcoidosis: differences in lung function change over time 1. Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USAPlease…
E77 · 18 Dec 2024 · 46 min
COPD, with the PulmPEEPs
The PulmPEEPs are back with another journal club episode. Dr. Kristina Montemayor and Dr. David Furfaro are joined by Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and journal club author Dr. Ewan Mackay. They discuss a handful of selected papers focussing on COPD, covering the global impact of different household fuels on lung disease, early signs of CT changes in smokers before the detection of COPD, and a trial of treprostinil for the treatment of COPD related pulmonary hypertension. Links: Journal club Estimated health effects from domestic use of gaseous fuels for cooking and…
E76 · 19 Nov 2024 · 22 min
Fixing lung health, with Dr. Samantha Walker
Lung conditions remain one of the biggest causes of death and cost the economy billions annually. Despite this they receive only 2.5% of total public research investment in the UK. The Asthma + Lung UK charity brought together a number of experts and stakeholders in an effort to improve the working approach to this problem. This group published a letter in Thorax recently with a number of recommendations. One of the authors, Dr. Samantha Walker¹, joins the podcast. Links: Fixing lung health in the UK: accelerating respiratory research and innovation Asthma + Lung UK 1. Research and…
E75 · 17 Oct 2024 · 21 min
The troubling rise of artificial stone silicosis, with Dr. Johanna Feary
The growing use of artificial stone has seen the emergence of an aggressive, progressive respiratory disease, which is causing silicosis in young people. Dr. Johanna Feary¹ ² joins Thorax's Dr. Kate Diomede in the studio, to discuss. They talk through some the UK's earliest cases, the background to this phenomenon, international response, and the broader history of silicosis as a disease. Links: Artificial stone silicosis: a UK case series Relationship between cumulative silica exposure and silicosis: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis 1. National Heart and Lung Institute,…
E74 · 10 Sep 2024 · 43 min
Airway disease, with the PulmPEEPs
A special journal club episode featuring guest-hosts Dr. Kristina Montemayor and Dr. David Furfaro of the PulmPEEPs. They're joined in conversation with Thorax education editor Dr. Christopher Turnbull, and Dr. Imran Howell, author of a recent journal club article in Thorax. Focussing on the theme of airway disease, they discuss the four papers in Imran's roundup, covering topics from nutritional impact on tuberculosis rates to infant vaccination against RSV. Links: Journal club Blood eosinophil-guided oral prednisolone for COPD exacerbations in primary care in the UK (STARR2): a…
E73 · 21 Jun 2024 · 26 min
BTS Clinical Statement: Management of inpatient tobacco dependency, with Prof. Sanjay Agrawal and Dr. Matthew Evison
A new clinical statement from the British Thoracic Society was recently published in Thorax. It describes a building-block approach for how to manage patients with tobacco dependency in a hospital setting. Thorax podcast host Dr. Kate Diomede speaks with two of the authors, Prof. Sanjay Agrawal (1) and Dr. Matthew Evison (2). Read the statement: Medical management of inpatients with tobacco dependency Further reading: NCSCT online training NCSCT briefings and practice guidance (1) Department of Respiratory Medicine, Glenfield Hospital, Institute for Lung Health, Leicester, UK (2) Manchester…
E72 · 16 May 2024 · 17 min
Social media’s influence on smoking and vaping, with Prof. Nick Hopkinson
What are the effects of high levels of social media consumption amongst young people? New research published in Thorax quantifies the impact that exposure to marketing on online platforms is having, showing a greater likelihood of smoking or vaping with greater time spent on these platforms. Thorax associate editor Prof. Nick Hopkinson (1) joins Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss the paper's findings. Read the paper: Association of time spent on social media with youth cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use in the UK: a national longitudinal study (1) Prof. of Respiratory Medicine, Imperial College…
E71 · 17 Apr 2024 · 21 min
Allergic asthma immunotherapy, with Dr. Klaus Bønnelykke
Asthma prevalence is increasing around the world, and is theorised to be due to a number of environmental factors. One such factor is a sensitivity to house dust mite (HDM) allergens, which is common in asthma patients. Dr. Klaus Bønnelykke (1) joins the podcast to speak with Dr. Kate Diomede about this topic, following the publication of the paper, "Genetic and T2 biomarkers linked to the efficacy of HDM sublingual immunotherapy in asthma". (1) Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark Please engage in the conversation through…
E70 · 13 Mar 2024 · 22 min
Invitation strategies in lung cancer screening, with Dr. Patrick Goodley
Socioeconomic deprivation is a driving factor in lung cancer rates. With the roll out of a national lung cancer screening programme in the UK, it's important that the right invitation strategies are used for reaching community members who may be at risk. This episode, Dr. Patrick Goodley (@patrick_goodley) joins host Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss the recent paper, "Invitation strategies and participation in a community-based lung cancer screening programme located in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation."Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter -…
E69 · 13 Feb 2024 · 24 min
Female reproductive history and COPD risk, with Prof. Gita Mishra
What impact do reproductive events, like menarche, miscarriage or menopause have on female lung health? Prof. Gita Mishra (1) joins Thorax host Dr. Kate Diomede to discuss this question. They consider how recurrent fertility issues can point to an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease later in life, and how variance in oestrogen levels throughout the lifespan affect lung development. The conversation is centred around the recently-published study, "Female Reproductive Histories and the Risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease"…
E68 · 15 Jan 2024 · 24 min
Immediate smoking cessation support during lung cancer screening, with Parris Williams
Lung cancer screening in the UK has only been introduced in recent years, and its processes around smoking cessation guidance may have opportunities for improvement. Visiting the studio today is PhD student Parris Williams (1), to discuss the newly published Thorax research paper, "Immediate smoking cessation support during lung cancer screening: long-term outcomes from two randomised controlled trials" (https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/10/24/thorax-2023-220367). Along with social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede, Parris discusses what has been learnt from QuLIT (Quit smoking Lung…
E67 · 24 Nov 2023 · 35 min
Comparing COVID detection rates for oral and nasal swabs, with Dr. Tobias Todsen
Head and neck consultant Dr. Tobias Todsen (1) joins the podcast from Copenhagen to speak with social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede. The topic of conversation is the recent paper, "Higher SARS-CoV-2 detection of oropharyngeal compared with nasopharyngeal or saliva specimen for molecular testing: a multicentre randomised comparative accuracy study" (https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/10/1028). They discuss the sensitivity of different test combinations, cultural inclinations for certain kinds of testing, and the cost implications of each approach. (1) Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head…
E66 · 20 Oct 2023 · 22 min
Linking obesity and asthma, with Dr. Hayley Scott
In a conversation touching on diet, fat distribution, and inflammatory pathways, Dr. Hayley Scott (1) speaks with host Dr. Kate Diomede about the recent paper, “Effect of obesity on airway and systemic inflammation in adults with asthma: a systematic review and meta-analysis". Read the article here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/10/957 (1) School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @ThoraxBMJ; Facebook - Thorax.BMJ) and subscribe on your preferred platform, to get…
E65 · 19 Sep 2023 · 23 min
Community-acquired pneumonia readmissions, with Dr. Wei Shen Lim
Dr. Wei Shen Lim (1) joins Thorax's podcast host and social media editor Dr. Kate Diomede to talk over the recent research paper, “Readmission following hospital admission for community-acquired pneumonia in England”. Read the article here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/07/28/thorax-2022-219925 (1) Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @ThoraxBMJ; Facebook - Thorax.BMJ) and subscribe on your preferred platform, to get the latest episodes directly…
E64 · 17 Aug 2023 · 13 min
Preterm birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, with Dr. Elizabeth Smith
Dr. Kate Diomede, podcast host and Thorax social media editor, is joined by Dr. Elizabeth Smith (1) to discuss a study on the longterm respiratory outcomes for survivors of very preterm birth, titled "Risk factors for poorer respiratory outcomes in adolescents and young adults born preterm." Read the article here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/05/18/thorax-2022-219634 Find more info on the team's work at: https://walyanrespiratory.telethonkids.org.au/news-and-events/2023/may/WALHIP-young-adult-follow-up-study/ (1) Wal-Yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute,…
E63 · 18 Jul 2023 · 28 min
New BTS pleural disease guideline, with Prof. Najib Rahman and Prof. Nick Maskell
Dr. Kate Diomede, podcast host and Thorax social media editor, is joined by Prof. Najib Rahman (1) and Prof. Nick Maskell (2) to discuss the July 2023 update of the British Thoracic Society's guideline for treatment of pleural disease. This document was last updated in 2010, and now accounts for the high quality data provided by more recent trials, as well as modern practices informed by those. Read the guideline here: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/Suppl_3/s1 (1) Oxford Respiratory Trials Unit, Oxford University, UK (2) Academic Respiratory Unit, Bristol University, UK Please engage in…
16 Jun 2023 · 21 min
Lung cancer screening with Dr. Sam Janes
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, is joined by Dr. Sam Janes (1) to discuss the history of lung cancer screening, and its use in early detection. They also examine the process and results of his recent paper, "Growing small solid nodules in lung cancer screening: safety and efficacy of a 200 mm3 minimum size threshold for multidisciplinary team referral". The paper is available online: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/78/2/202 (1) Lungs for Living Research Centre, UCL Respiratory, University College London, UK. Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels…
2 Jun 2023 · 28 min
Not all vaping is the same: CBD vs nicotine
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, is joined by Dr. Yasmin Thanavala (1) to discuss her group's recent research paper, "Not all vaping is the same: differential pulmonary effects of vaping cannabidiol versus nicotine". Their study used a using a mouse model of vaping and in vitro experiments with human cells. The paper is available online: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2023/04/02/thorax-2022-218743 Hear the previous discussion with Prof. Nick Hopkinson on policy relating to vaping and smoking: https://on.soundcloud.com/cjFhd (1) Prof. Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive…
S1 · E1 · 17 Apr 2023 · 25 min
Smoking and vaping: policy and challenges with Nick Hopkinson
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, is joined by Prof. Nick Hopkinson(1) to delve into the history of smoking policy in the UK, as well as detailing the lay of the land in current smoking-cessation practices, especially pertaining to vaping. Hear the previous discussion with Prof. Andrew Bush on recent developments in paediatric therapy: https://on.soundcloud.com/PY9Nz (1) Prof. of Respiratory Medicine, Imperial College London, Respiratory Consultant, Royal Brompton Hospital, Associate Editor of Thorax, Chair of ASH (Action on Smoking in Health) UK Charity…
10 Mar 2023 · 19 min
Recent developments in paediatric therapy with Prof. Andrew Bush
In this episode Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, speaks with Prof. Andrew Bush(1) about the state of paediatric treatment for thoracic issues, including discussion of cystic fibrosis and asthma. Hear the previous discussion with Prof. Ian Hall on the future of respiratory medicine: https://on.soundcloud.com/yb7pJ (1) Consultant paediatric chest physician at Royal Brompton Hospital; Professor of paediatric respirology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London. Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @ThoraxBMJ; Facebook…
10 Feb 2023 · 15 min
MUC5B, telomere length and longitudinal quantitative interstitial lung changes: the MESA Lung Study
Dr. Kate Diomede, social media editor at Thorax, speaks with Dr. Anna Podolanczuk(1) and Dr. John Kim(2) about their article, "MUC5B, telomere length and longitudinal quantitative interstitial lung changes: the MESA Lung Study", published in Thorax: https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2022/08/04/thorax-2021-218139 Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @ThoraxBMJ; Facebook - @Thorax.BMJ · Pulmonologist) and subscribe on your preferred platform, to get the latest episodes directly on your device each month. (1) Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care,…
17 Jan 2023 · 9 min
Live from the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting 2022
Thorax social media editor, Dr. Puja Mehta, caught up with several Respiratory consultants from across the UK at the British Thoracic Society (BTS) Winter Meeting 2022, and asked them the question, 'What makes the Winter BTS meeting special?' Please engage in the conversation through the social media channels (Twitter - @ThoraxBMJ; Facebook - @Thorax.BMJ · Pulmonologist) and subscribe on your preferred platform, to get the latest episodes directly on your device each month. If you enjoy the Thorax Podcast, please leave us a rating and a review on the Thorax Podcast page on iTunes -…

About Thorax Podcast

Thorax Podcast is a English health podcast from BMJ Group. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BMJ Group
Language: English
Category: Health
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 23 min
Latest episode: 2 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id343304910

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