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COPD Foundation


Earlier menopause linked to higher risk of bronchiectasis

A new study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation suggests that women with a shorter reproductive lifespan are at greater risk of developing bronchiectasis. The study of nearly 97,000 postmenopausal women found that hormone therapy use was associated with a 19% greater risk of bronchiectasis.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 27, 2026

Cognitive and physical limitations affect inhaler use in COPD

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that nearly one-third of COPD patients demonstrate unacceptable inhaler technique, leading to smaller lung function improvements. Instructing patients to hold their breath for 5-10 seconds improves acute bronchodilation.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJul 9, 2026

Inhaled vitamin D has potential to improve lung function

Research suggests that inhaled vitamin D can protect against dust, pollution, and pathogens in the lungs, potentially improving outcomes for those with chronic lung disease. Human clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and explore the therapeutic benefits of direct lung delivery.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 25, 2026

People lack critical information about wildfire smoke risks

A new study reveals gaps in wildfire smoke education among people living with COPD. Researchers found that many individuals rely on smartphone apps and online information for air quality updates, but lack knowledge on mitigation strategies and real-time guidance from healthcare teams.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJun 23, 2026

Phone-based education improves inhaler use in people with COPD

A phone-based teach-to-goal program improved correct inhaler use in Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with COPD. The study found that nearly 40% of participants used their inhaler incorrectly initially, but after the program, only about 7% were incorrect, resulting in a significant reduction.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateApr 29, 2026

Eating legumes, soy products may help improve COPD symptoms

A recent study found that people with higher isoflavone consumption experienced fewer breathing-related symptoms and improved lung health. Isoflavones, commonly found in legumes and soy-based foods, may play a key role in reducing COPD symptoms.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 23, 2026

People with COPD commonly misuse medications

New studies reveal that medication nonadherence in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often caused by affordability and limited understanding of medications. This can lead to quicker lung function decline, more frequent exacerbations, and a higher symptom burden.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 4, 2026

Neighborhood factors may lead to increased COPD-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations

A new study reveals that neighborhood characteristics, including poverty and lower educational attainment, are associated with higher COPD-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Community-level interventions targeting these risk factors can help improve quality of life and reduce acute care use.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 19, 2026

COPD care pathway leads to shorter hospital stays, more referrals to pulmonary rehab

A new study shows that implementing a COPD care pathway can lead to shorter hospital stays, more referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, and improved standardization of care. The study found that patients treated with the pathway had better outcomes, including being discharged home rather than to a facility.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 28, 2025

People with schizophrenia have higher risk of COPD

People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to shared genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The lack of adequate medical care also contributes to the under-diagnosis of COPD in this population.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 26, 2025

COPD prevalence, disease burden varies significantly by state

A new study found significant variation in COPD prevalence and burden across states and insurance types, with West Virginia topping the list at 143 cases per 1,000 insured individuals and Utah ranking last at 44. The study also revealed high mortality rates among people with COPD in several states.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJun 24, 2025

Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation programs are safe, effective for people with COPD

A new report published in the COPD Foundation's journal found virtual pulmonary rehabilitation to be a safe and effective alternative for people with COPD who require supplemental oxygen. The program improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for participants, demonstrating its potential to increase access to care.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMay 1, 2025

Feeling stressed may lead to worsened respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life

A new study found that increased perceived stress can lead to worsened respiratory symptoms and decreased quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study also examined the association between stress and platelet activation, oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2025

Statins, aspirin may impact muscle health in smokers

A new study suggests that statins can reduce chest muscle loss in smokers, while aspirin may contribute to increased muscle loss. The study examined data from 4,191 participants and found that statins protected pectoralis muscle area and density, whereas aspirin led to decreased muscle mass.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 13, 2025

People with COPD and arthritis have an increased risk of death

A new study found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and arthritis have a significantly increased risk of death compared to those with only arthritis. The research analyzed data from over 11,000 individuals in the US and discovered a strong association between COPD and mortality rates in people with arthritis.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 11, 2025

Lack of appropriate mental health care impacts quality of life for people with COPD

A new study highlights the importance of diagnosing depression and anxiety in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to address gaps in care. The study found that fewer than half of those meeting the criteria for a depression or anxiety diagnosis were receiving mental health counseling or using antidepressants.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateMar 6, 2025

Commonly prescribed medications increase fall risk and related injuries in people with COPD

A new study published in the COPD Foundation journal found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a higher risk of falls and related injuries when taking commonly prescribed medications. The likelihood of falls increases relative to the number of fall-risk increasing drugs used.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJan 14, 2025

Expanded research on COPD and metabolic syndrome would advance patient-centered care

Additional research is required to explore the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome, focusing on outcomes, intervention trials, and health services research. This will help shift from a COPD-focused approach to an integrated care approach considering all comorbidities.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 9, 2025

Childhood smoking increases a person’s risk of developing COPD

A recent study published in the Journal of the COPD Foundation found that childhood smoking before age 15 significantly increases a person's risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) later in life. The research examined a nationally representative sample of adults and accounted for secondhand smoke exposure, highl...

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateJan 7, 2025

Increased focus on comorbidities, socioeconomic factors would help improve health equity for people with COPD

A new editorial suggests using syndemic theory approach to address disparities in COPD treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering comorbidities and socioeconomic factors. The authors aim to promote holistic care and increase research participation from minority populations.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateNov 7, 2024

People with COPD, asthma have higher risk of health problems from increased wildfire activity, smoke

A new perspective article highlights the impact of wildfires on individuals with COPD and asthma. The five-part Population Health Approach, developed by the University of California, Davis Health, identifies high-risk patients and provides interventions to mitigate poor air quality's negative effects.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·DateAug 14, 2024