Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the co-occurrence of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, a pair of commonly co-existing diseases of the lungs in which the airways become narrowed. This leads to a limitation of the flow of air to and from the lungs, causing shortness of breath (dyspnea). In contrast to asthma, this limitation is poorly reversible and usually gets progressively worse over time.
By Nsikan Akpan | May 10, 2013 12:55 PM EDT
The FDA-approved inhaler is now available to treat the lung disease COPD.
By Cindy del Rosario | Apr 28, 2013 01:19 PM EDT
Proposed changes to Medicare and Medicaid will result in lower payments to hospitals with poor patient safety and hospitals that serve low-income patients.
By Justin Caba | Mar 28, 2013 02:56 PM EDT
The Center's for Disease Control and Prevention has launched its second anti-smoking campaign aimed at second hand smoking.
By Frederik Joelving | Oct 05, 2012 02:18 PM EDT
Water workouts may trump land-based exercise for people with chronic lung disease and other health problems.
By Makini Brice | Aug 17, 2012 05:08 PM EDT
Here's another reason to embrace a diet rich in fruit and vegetables: the nutrients in them can help keep away the negative effects of air pollution.
By Kate Kelland | Jul 02, 2012 05:19 PM EDT
GlaxoSmithKline's experimental once-daily lung drug LAMA/LABA showed positive results on Monday from late stage trials in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
By Adam Daley | Jan 12, 2012 01:16 PM EST
A new discovery may lead to a treatment for improving lung function in smokers.
Sep 01, 2011 01:28 PM EDT
A common antibiotic has been found to reduce acute symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Jul 28, 2011 10:27 AM EDT
According to Australian researchers, cigarette smoke exposure permanently alters the cellular structure of the tissues in the airway from people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Causing airway thickening and even causing precancerous cells to increase long after cigarette smoke exposures has ended.
May 26, 2011 10:10 AM EDT
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are two times more likely to have concurrent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than healthy controls -- an association which was sustained even when variables such as age, gender, smoking and obesity were controlled for, according to a study presented today at the EULAR 2011 Annual Congress.
May 16, 2011 09:45 AM EDT
The six-minute walking distance test (6MWD), a test that measures a patient's ability to tolerate exercise and physical activity, is an effective tool for understanding disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a three-year global study of patients with COPD sponsored by drug manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline.
Apr 18, 2011 09:32 AM EDT
Michael Croft, Ph.D., a researcher at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology, has discovered a molecule's previously unknown role as a major trigger for airway remodeling, which impairs lung function, making the molecule a promising therapeutic target for chronic asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and several other lung conditions. A scientific paper on Dr. Croft's finding was published online today in the prestigious journal, Nature Medicine.
Mar 01, 2011 10:46 AM EST
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved roflumilast, a pill taken daily to decrease the frequency of flare-ups (exacerbations) or worsening of symptoms from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Jan 28, 2011 09:12 AM EST
Researchers have proved that a single "master switch" enzyme, known as aldose reductase, is key in producing excess mucous that clogs the airways of people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Jan 21, 2011 09:10 AM EST
Patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) have more to worry about than breathing difficulties. According to a new study by researchers in Sweden, COPD patients on LTOT today face an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and other non-respiratory ailments.
