Researchers are developing new technologies to help patients with chronic conditions such as COPD and diabetes manage their health at home. The £10 million project will explore the use of wearable devices and data analytics to improve healthcare services. Seven UK universities and over 30 partners are involved in the research.
A study of 129,535 Americans aged 50+ found that never-smoking older African American women had the highest COPD prevalence, with 7% and 5.2% in White women, respectively. Hormones and second-hand smoke exposure may contribute to this vulnerability.
Patients with chronic lung disease living in deprived areas are more likely to be malnourished than those from wealthier postcodes. A QUT study assessing 424 outpatients found 22% were at risk of malnutrition, with those from more deprived areas significantly more likely to be at risk.
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Researchers found that patients with pulmonary function testing had a lower risk of hospitalization and death from COPD. The study suggests that increasing testing for suspected cases could improve patient care and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers develop a simple tool to identify patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings using five questions and peak expiratory flow meters. The approach shows high sensitivity and specificity rates, and may improve COPD diagnosis, quality of life, and health outcomes.
Scientists created an airway-on-a-chip that simulates the effects of smoking on human lungs, revealing changes in gene expression and cilia beat patterns. The technology also showed promise for testing e-cigarettes and identifying potential therapies for COPD.
Researchers have developed a device that mimics the effects of cigarette smoke on human lungs, providing new insights into how non-smokers and COPD patients respond to smoke. The device enables the comparison of physiological responses in healthy individuals and COPD patients before and after exposure to cigarette smoke.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that long-term oxygen treatment does not improve survival or reduce hospital admissions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and moderately low blood oxygen levels. Researchers say these results underscore the need for new treatments for COPD.
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Researchers studied COPD patients with moderate oxygen deficiency and found no significant difference in time to death, hospitalizations, or quality of life between those who received supplemental oxygen and those who didn't. The study suggests that long-term oxygen therapy may not be necessary for all COPD patients.
Two studies found that patients with a higher resting heart rate after an exacerbation are at risk for recurrent exacerbations, while hand grip strength is associated with fewer COPD exacerbations. Muscle weakness is linked to exercise limitation and exacerbations, making hand grip strength a useful marker.
A single home visit significantly increases patient adherence to office visits and inhaler use, reducing severe exacerbations and emergency department visits. After the intervention, patients exhibited a 40% decrease in ED visits and improved maintenance inhaler use.
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A recent study found that only 29% of patients with COPD had spirometry testing, leading to misdiagnoses in 31.6%. This highlights the need for education and training on COPD diagnosis to improve accuracy.
Resveratrol, a compound found in red wine and grapes, has been shown to reduce inflammation induced by bacterial pathogens that cause respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD. The study identified a novel mechanism by which resveratrol suppresses inflammation by upregulating a negative regulator called MyD88 short.
Research published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with significant long-term lung function loss. Those with mild COPD experienced the greatest FEV1 decline, with each exacerbation linked to an additional 23 m...
A new study challenges the traditional efficacy trial model by using real-world patients and GP practices to test COPD treatments. The Salford Lung Study found that a once-daily treatment regimen was associated with lower rates of exacerbations without increased risk of serious adverse events.
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Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who engage in high levels of physical activity are less likely to develop anxiety or depression, with a 15% reduced risk. Mental disorders are common in COPD patients, affecting approximately 40% of the population.
Researchers analyzed 4,500 US hospitals' data and found that facilities with high readmission rates had better mortality scores in specific conditions like heart failure, COPD, and stroke. This challenges the commonly used measure of hospital quality by CMS.
Experts predict a significant increase in lung disease cases due to rising smoking rates and longer life expectancy, with over 1.3 million cases projected in England by 2030. The condition is expected to cost £2.5 billion annually, with more women than men affected, mainly due to their longer average lifespan.
Recent literature suggests N-acetylcysteine reduces frequency of COPD exacerbations in stable patients taking 1,200 mg daily. However, its benefits for acute exacerbations are uncertain and require further investigation.
Researchers found that new opioid use among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory-related complications and death. The study, published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that even lower-dose opioids may pose risks for this population.
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A simple 7-item screening tool has been developed to identify patients at risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The tool uses predictive factors such as gender, age, smoking history, and breathlessness to assess COPD risk in primary care settings.
A recent study found that depression decreases adherence to COPD maintenance medications in older adults, with average monthly adherence peaking at 57% and decreasing to 25% within six months. Clinicians should be aware of the development of depression in newly-diagnosed patients with COPD.
A quarter of COPD patients are frail but can respond favourably to exercise rehabilitation. Frail patients who completed the programme scored better in measures of breathlessness and exercise performance, with 61% no longer meeting frailty criteria after rehabilitation.
A new study from UTMB reveals that pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is underutilized despite its health benefits and cost-effectiveness in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found that the majority of economic burden of COPD stems from hospitalizations, which can be reduced by PR.
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A study of 417,494 older adults with COPD, asthma, or both found a significant increase in nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease among current and former inhaled corticosteroid users. Researchers identified fluticasone as a potential contributor to the increased risk.
A new report highlights seven areas of focus within COPD care, including improving access to education, medications, and non-medication interventions. The report also emphasizes the need for more research funding and development of cost-effective treatments.
A new study reveals that smokers without COPD diagnosis often experience respiratory symptoms, and those with 'normal' breathing tests still require medical attention. Researchers are exploring the use of bronchodilator medication to improve symptoms for this patient group.
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A new study found that exacerbations in COPD patients are associated with excess loss of lung function, particularly in those with mild disease. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,800 patients and found that each exacerbation was linked to a decline in FEV1, the amount of air a person can forcefully blow out of their lungs.
Exacerbations of COPD accelerate lung-function loss among patients with mild disease, according to researchers. The study found that exacerbations resulted in significant additional decline in FEV1 lung function, particularly among GOLD 1 patients.
A landmark survey by the ATS and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. reveals that seven in ten pulmonologists believe hand-held small volume nebulizers are more effective than metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) for managing acute exacerbations of COPD, particularly in severe cases. The survey also highlights gaps in physicians' knowledge about tre...
A randomized study found that motivational interviewing-based health coaching reduced COPD-related readmission rates by 7.5% in the first month and 11% at 3 months post-discharge, leading to improved disease-specific quality of life.
Researchers discovered that NETs are strongly correlated with airway infection and disease severity in COPD patients, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying those at risk of progression. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments targeting NET formation.
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A new study has found that home-based pulmonary rehabilitation can be equally effective in improving fitness and quality of life for COPD patients as traditional center-based programs. The low-cost program resulted in comparable outcomes to the hospital-based program, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes at any time point.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the US, yet patients often face out-of-pocket costs and inadequate care. The Lancet Respiratory Medicine report highlights these challenges, including high medication costs and variable insurance coverage.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found a link between persistent childhood asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in early adulthood. Children with low lung function at a young age were more likely to develop COPD later in life, regardless of treatment or smoking exposure.
Charles Daley, Irina Petrache, and James Crapo receive awards for their work on tuberculosis diagnosis, women in pulmonary medicine, and COPD research respectively. The American Thoracic Society honors their contributions to improve patient outcomes in respiratory diseases.
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A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study finds that persistent inflammation in COPD may result from a defect in the immune system allowing airway bacteria to invade deeper into the lungs. Treatment with an anti-inflammatory drug halted lung damage in mice with this defect.
Researchers discovered hidden mechanisms of the immune system in two disease areas, COPD and systemic lupus erythematosus. The findings showed that ILC2s can change into inflammatory cells in response to stimuli, suggesting a potential way to treat COPD exacerbations.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found significant disparities in healthcare quality for Hispanic Medicare Advantage enrollees in Puerto Rico compared to their counterparts in the US. The study analyzed data from over 7 million MA enrollees and found that Hispanic MA enrollees in Puerto Rico received worse care on 15 ...
Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation enhances efficiency of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with stable COPD, improving measures of shortness of breath and exercise tolerance. Patients experience significant relief from breathing difficulties during exercising, allowing for more effective pulmonary rehabilitation.
Researchers found that exposure to cigarette smoke and flu viruses reduces the effectiveness of common COPD medication salbutamol. A new model could help identify alternative treatments for patients with these symptoms.
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The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine screening for COPD in asymptomatic adults due to lack of evidence on benefits and potential harms. Screening may divert resources from other preventive services, such as smoking cessation.
The ASAA has been awarded a three-year, $2.5 million demonstration project to monitor and support treatment adherence for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study will compare the effectiveness of proactive care versus reactive care on improving patient-centered outcomes.
Researchers will analyze data from DECAMP consortium to advance targeted therapeutics for COPD and lung cancer using molecular biomarkers. The goal is to screen people at risk, predict disease progression, and intercept disease.
A new study finds that an education strategy called teach-to-goal can effectively educate patients on using their rescue inhalers properly. The researchers found that this approach improved patient mastery of inhaler technique and reduced the need for hospitalization.
A new study found that moderate to vigorous physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after hospitalization. Patients who were active had a 47% lower risk of death compared to inactive patients.
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A high coronary artery calcium score may signal an increased risk of developing cancer, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that individuals with high scores had a higher risk of cancer, with a 53% increased risk of developing the disease during follow-up.
Researchers analyzed health records of 1,621 COPD patients and found cardio selective beta-blockers reduced exacerbation risk by 21% for all patients and 55% for those with heart failure. These preliminary findings suggest potential benefits of beta blockers for patients living with both lung and heart disease.
A study published in Respirology found that mothers who smoke are more likely to have children with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adulthood. The risk is particularly pronounced when children exposed to maternal cigarette smoke take up smoking later in life.
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A study by UTMB found that APPs prescribed short-acting inhalers and consulted with pulmonary specialists more often, leading to lower ER visits for COPD and higher follow-up rates. However, they had lower vaccination rates and less frequent clinic visits after hospitalization compared to physicians.
A study found that excessive airway collapse in smokers is linked to poorer respiratory health and increased exacerbations. Smokers with this condition experienced worsened scores on measures of shortness of breath and quality of life, highlighting the importance of further research into long-term effects.
A study of 382 COPD patients found that acetazolamide did not significantly reduce the duration of invasive mechanical ventilation. The drug was administered to patients with metabolic alkalosis, but its effectiveness in reducing ventilation time was uncertain.
A new perspective article suggests a shift towards precision medicine, identifying 'treatable traits' in each patient to tailor management. This approach aims to improve patient outcomes by recognizing the clinical and biological complexity of airway diseases.
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Researchers at Lund University found that women are at higher risk of developing COPD due to factors such as age and airway sensitivity. The study used advanced diagnostic criteria to reveal this gender gap, which was not previously evident using older methods.
A study by Helmholtz Munich found that cigarette smoke damages the immunoproteasome, a protein complex responsible for degrading and presenting foreign proteins to the immune system. This impairment weakens the immune response in COPD patients, making them more prone to viral infections.
Patients with COPD who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation showed improved symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Music therapy incorporated breath control techniques, patient-preferred music, and visualizations to increase engagement and cope with chronic disease challenges.
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A new microfluidic model of the human small airway has been developed to study COPD and asthma, allowing researchers to analyze disease mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and test new drug candidates. The model recapitulates critical features of asthma and COPD with unprecedented fidelity and detail.
A new method allows researchers to create 3D images of oxygen and CO2 transport in the lungs, providing hope for improved treatment of COPD and lung cancer. The technique enables doctors to better predict patient outcomes and develop personalized treatments.
Researchers have discovered two new genes, Aip1 and AncA, that protect human airway cells from damage caused by cigarette smoke. These findings provide a promising approach to developing new treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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A new study has found a link between early pesticide exposure and decreased lung function in children, with increased organophosphate metabolites associated with reduced air capacity. The study's findings suggest that chronic exposure to pesticides could leave children at risk of developing respiratory problems like COPD.