Aleksandra Gawlik-Lipinski – 10th King’s John Price Paediatric Respiratory Conference Report
by Aleksandra Gawlik-Lipinski
The 10th King’s John Price Paediatric Respiratory Conference offered insights and revelations, diving deep into the issues affecting our little ones’ lung health. From the hazards of vaping to the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, each session offered a truly unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Prof Andy Bush’s presentation exposed devastating impact of vaping on lungs. With acute toxic injury being greater than from tobacco, it’s a sobering wake-up call to confront this growing epidemic.
Dr Umang Patel and Dr Hammad Khan’s talks were equally engaging, highlighting the ground-breaking role of AI in reshaping paediatric respiratory care. Their discussions painted a rather vivid picture of a future where technology empowers clinicians to deliver more precise diagnoses and personalised treatment plans.
However, Dr Mark Levy’s reminder of asthma’s lethal consequences brought us back to earth. Despite medical advancements, asthma continues to kill, urging us to increase our efforts in prevention and management.
And let’s not forget Prof Ian Sinha’s eye-opening talk on the impact of poverty on respiratory health. His insights shed light on how socioeconomic disparities exacerbate respiratory diseases, emphasising the urgent need to “poverty-proof” our healthcare system.
As I reflect on the conference’s wealth of knowledge, it’s clear the future of paediatric respiratory health hinges on our collective action. It’s up to us to heed these lessons, take action, and ensure every child has the chance to breathe easy.