COPD

The use of inhaled vaporized cannabis neither improved nor worsened exercise performance and activity-related breathlessness for patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to a recent trial published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

Researchers recently found that the use of a standardized electronic health system–based order set to manage acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was linked to a decreased reduction in steroid dose and length of stay in the hospital.

An FDA advisory committee voted 16-3 against recommending GlaxoSmithKline’s mepolizumab (Nucala) as an add-on treatment to inhaled corticosteroid-based maintenance treatments to reduce flare-ups in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Researchers recently aimed to develop a predictive model to identify patients at risk of developing severe COPD exacerbations, finding that for every 2 patients identified to be at risk of severe flare-up of disease, 1 patient may experience a severe exacerbation.

Recent research has suggested that small airway disease is a pathological feature in mild and moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and that early intervention for disease modification may be required in these patients.

Patients with moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have short telomeres, a biomarker of aging, are more likely to have a worse quality of life and have a higher risk of exacerbations and death, according to a recent study, but daily azithromycin may help.

A recent study found that patients with chronic lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are more likely to be physically active when they have regular contact with healthcare professionals, support from peers, and access to organized exercise sessions.

Breathing in additional oxygen improves the function of blood vessels in the brains of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to recent research.

There is limited existing research on the incidence of metabolic syndrome in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, a recent study aimed to determine the incidence of metabolic syndrome in men with COPD who experience airway obstruction.

Researchers in China investigated the prevalence of bronchiectasis in different phenotypes of subjects with COPD and the correlation between bronchiectasis and different phenotypes, especially emphysema.

Payers have been rolling out disease management programs as a way to both control costs and improve outcomes for patients with chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, and others. But what happens to health outcomes when components of care considered COPD disease management in the United States are considered part of usual care elsewhere in the world?

A recent study aimed to investigate the clinical and psychosocial risk factors that are associated with hospital readmissions for acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among patients.

The progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can often be slowed with smoking cessation. However, among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, many patients with COPD continue to smoke and have the lowest quit rates. A recent study investigated bupropion and varenicline and their use among different socioeconomic patterns.

Even though patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can suffer from the same distressing symptoms as those with end-stage cancer, they are less likely to receive palliative care than those with other terminal illnesses, a recent study found.

With the growing worldwide burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), researchers in Australia recently reviewed literature looking for the best models to predict this disease, in an effort to identify new preventive strategies. Out of thousands of articles, the common denominator boiled down to one thing: smoking.

It is already known that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) face a greater risk of dying of lung cancer. According to new research, a concurrent asthma diagnosis and the use of inhaled corticosteroids may be associated with a decreased risk of lung cancer in patients with COPD, while the use of acetylsalicylic acid may be linked to an increased risk.

Although anemia is associated with adverse outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its contribution to outcomes in individuals with other comorbid chronic diseases is not well understood. A recent study examined the association of anemia with outcomes in a large group of patients with COPD in an effort to understand the contribution of anemia to outcomes and phenotypes in individuals with other comorbidities.

A high assessment test score for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may predict anxiety in patients, a recent study reported.

Depression is one of the comorbidities of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but not much is known about the characteristics of depression in people with early COPD. A recent study indicated that patients with early COPD who had depression were more likely to have a lower quality of life, be females, live alone, and have a low income.

Regular use of electronic cigarettes is associated with increased odds of having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study presented at a recent medical conference.

Two studies presented at the American Thoracic Society 2018 International Conference find that exacerbations must be addressed in order to help improve outcomes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pairing oxygen with noninvasive ventilation at home for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with persistent high carbon dioxide levels in the blood, who had recently had a life-threatening exacerbation requiring hospitalization, was cost effective, according to results of an abstract presented at a recent medical conference.

A session at the American Thoracic Society 2018 International Conference examined the factors that contribute to disparities and potential partnerships between doctors and lawyers on behalf of patients.

Terry Kohl, a real estate agent in New Jersey, battled what she thought was indigestion for 6 months and went repeatedly to a gastroenterologist for what she thought was a case of “grumbly gut.” Her "indigestion" led to a coronary artery bypass surgery soon after a trip to Rome left her breathless. Read about how women experience health and healthcare differently as National Women's Health Week draws to a close.