as of November 21, 2009
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Corner
OVERVIEW
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung diseases that cause swelling of the airways. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the most common forms of COPD.
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
The leading cause of COPD is smoking. Between 15% and 20% of long-term smokers will develop COPD. Prolonged tobacco use causes lung inflammation and destroys air sacs in the lungs. (In rare cases, an enzyme deficiency called alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency can cause emphysema in non-smokers.)
Other risk factors for COPD are exposure to secondhand smoke, male gender, and working or living in a polluted environment.
SYMPTOMS
-Shortness of breath (dyspnea) persisting for months to years
-Wheezing
-Decreased exercise tolerance
-Cough with or without phlegm
CARE/TREATMENT
Treatment for COPD includes inhalers that dilate the airways (bronchodilators) and sometimes theophylline. The COPD patient must stop smoking. In some cases inhaled steroids are used to suppress lung inflammation, and, in severe cases or flare-ups, intravenous or oral steroids are given.
Antibiotics are used during flare-ups of symptoms as infections can worsen COPD. Chronic, low-flow oxygen, non-invasive ventilation, or intubation may be needed in some cases. Surgery to remove parts of the disease lung has been shown to be helpful for some patients with COPD.
Lung rehabilitation programs may help some patients.
Lung transplant is sometimes performed for severe cases.
PREVENTION
Avoidance of smoking prevents COPD. Early recognition and treatment of small airway disease in people who smoke, combined with smoking cessation, may prevent progression of the disease.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Health Story
"It's horrible. With COPD, it's as if you're drowning with every breath," says Dr. Robert Cohen of the American Lung Association in Chicago. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects the airways in the lungs, producing a serious loss of lung...
In the News: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
FDA Advisory Committee Finds Data Support The Claim That SPIRIVA(R) HandiHaler(R) Reduces COPD Exacerbations
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171710.php
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee voted 11 to 1 that clinical data included in a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) provide substantial and convincing evidence to support the claim that SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) reduces exacerbations (worsening of symptoms) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
EFA Highlights The Urgent Need For Change And A Comprehensive European Strategy To Fight Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:00:00 PST
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/171579.php
The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients Associations (EFA) today launched a book comparing and analysing the situation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Europe for the first time from the patients' perspective. The Book highlights and urgent need to reduce the suffering and mortality from this disease, which will - if not tackled appropriately - be the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.