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COPD -- changes in the lungs, changes in the microbiome

A study by Helmholtz Munich researchers found that certain subtypes of COPD are associated with changes in the lung microbiome, which may promote pathogenic bacteria. The findings suggest personalized medicine approaches should consider the microbiome when treating patients with specific COPD subtypes.

Treatment seeks to address exacerbations of COPD

A new study investigates the use of oxygen therapy via high-flow nasal tubes in patients with COPD experiencing exacerbations. The short-term trial found lower retained carbon dioxide levels compared to standard oxygen therapy, suggesting a potential benefit.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMay 4, 2017

Study reveals surprises concerning COPD and smoking

A new study reveals a significant decrease in airway wall cells and certain inflammatory cells in smokers and mild to moderate COPD patients. The findings challenge the widely accepted description of airway inflammation in these individuals, suggesting a more complex underlying mechanism.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateMar 22, 2017

Cigarette smoke curbs lung's self-healing

Researchers discovered that cigarette smoke silences the lung's natural self-healing process by blocking key receptors. Increasing these receptors can restore repair and lead to increased production of vital proteins, offering new hope for developing therapies for COPD patients.

SourceHelmholtz Munich (Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH))·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 2, 2017

When non-adherence to guidelines is a good thing: Study on COPD yields surprising results

A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that 44% of patients were under-treated, while only 19% received recommended medication regimens. Patients who were under-treated had fewer exacerbations, indicating that ignoring guidelines may be beneficial in certain cases.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalInternational Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease·DateJan 20, 2017

£10 million intelligent health-care technologies research for self-management of chronic conditions

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.

Novel approach in primary care setting may help identify patients with COPD

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.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 28, 2016

Mimicking life-like cigarette smoke exposure in human lung airway chips

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.

Long-term oxygen treatment does not benefit some COPD patients

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.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 26, 2016

COPD exacerbations lead to lung function decline, particularly among those with mild COPD

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...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 8, 2016

New opioid use in older adults with COPD associated with increased risk of death

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.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJul 14, 2016

Simple screening tool helps determine COPD risk

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.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJun 29, 2016

UTMB study shows pulmonary rehabilitation underutilized by physicians and COPD patients

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateJun 9, 2016