Lung Diseases
COPD
Treatments Latest News
Medicines can Slow the Progression Rate of COPD - [08/16/08]
Summary: Treatment with Seretide/Advair can slow the progression of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder. These medications lower the rate of lung function decline the most when used together, but also individually lower the rate to a lesser degree. This was found in a study of more than 6000 people. The progression was measured in FEV1, and the only other was to slow lung function decline was to quit smoking.
Comment: COPD often has a difficult prognosis and makes life difficult for those who have the disease. Currently there are not many treatments to slow the lung function decline, so these new findings could allow those with COPD to be able to have a better quality of life for much longer than previously possible.
Read article - Medical News TODAY August 16, 2008
Respiratory Care Guidelines for Elderly Ignored - [07/07/08]
Summary: Guidelines for the respiratory care of elderly people are often ignored by their caregivers. Only a small amount of elderly are receiving the recommended treatment for their conditions, such as COPD. Less than 22% of elderly with COPD received bronchodilator inhalers, 18% of seniors with lung problems were also not vaccinated against influenza. Smokers were also much less likely to receive the care they need.
Comment: This information shows that guidelines for the treatment of COPD need to be more closely followed for the elderly. Those with lung problems should be very cautious with their care, and be sure to receive an influenza vaccination and regular lung check. Smokers should still seek care, even though most doctors will urge them to quit smoking.
Read article - ScienceDaily July 7, 2008
New COPD Medication Offers Hope - [06/14/08]
Summary: The worsening of symptoms in patients with COPD can be reduced by taking the medication Mucolytic Carbocisteine. This drug breaks down the mucus in the body, so it can be more easily cleared. The carbocisteine drug gives a 25% risk reduction.
Comment: The oversecretion of mucus is a key symptom for COPD, and being able to break down the mucus and clear it easily could improve the treatment of COPD. These drugs have proved that they are a worthwhile drug to take, and significantly reduce the risk of worsening COPD. This medicine has been proven to prevent exasperbation, and is much less expensive than other current medications. Since the trials were done with Chinese people researchers may plan clinical trials to see if the medication is equally effective for other ethnicities.
Read article - Medical News TODAY June 14, 2008
Not All Samples Are "Free" - [04/24/08]
Summary: COPD and other lung diseases can be expensive to treat. So it may seem as if your doctor is doing you a favor to offer you free samples of medicines. But samples are often for very expensive brand-name medicines. When the sample runs out, you get to pay for them--often at a higher co-pay.
Comment: This article outlines five questions you should ask your doctor before accepting samples, such as how long you'll be taking the drug, and whether a generic or cheaper alternative is available. The article also links to other articles with advice on cutting the cost of your prescription drugs, including two reports on how to enroll in drug assistance programs and how to find the best prices on prescription medications.
Read article - CNN.com. April 24, 2008.
Many Are Helped by the Practice of Yoga - [04/18/08]
Summary: Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular means of relieving pain and increasing comfort for people with many different types of disabilities. Many patients practice adaptive yoga, which takes into consideration a patients wants and concerns as well as their limitations. Those with multiple sclerosis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, post-surgical conditions, Parkinson's disease, stroke, arthritis, or simply a very sedentary lifestyle have been helped by doing yoga.
Comment: Instructors have noted that yoga helps students strengthen muscles and increase mobility in joints. It also aids patients in relaxation techniques as they learn to breathe better and gain a better sense of their body. If you have a disability and are struggling with managing your body or symptoms yoga could be a very good option.
Read article - CNN.com. April 18, 2008.
New Website Information Helps Consumers Compare Hospitals - [03/28/08]
Summary: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this month posted new survey information at the Hospital Compare website, offering consumers more insight about the hospitals in their communities. The website provides three critical types of information about healthcare providers: quality information, patient satisfaction survey information, and pricing information for specific procedures. This information can help consumers make effective decisions about the quality and value of the healthcare available to them through local hospitals.
Comment: Much of the information is based on the first nationwide survey of patients about their experience during a hospital stay. Although the pricing and volume information pertains specifically to Medicare payments, the quality and satisfaction results provide useful comparison data for any patients, regardless of who pays for the services. A link to the Hospital Compare website is provided below.
Read article - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. March 28, 2008.
Read article - Hospital Compare website.
Airway Bypass May Aid Emphysema Patients - [02/12/08]
Summary: An experimental treatment connects damaged lung tissues to the natural airway. Called a catheter-based bronchoscopic procedure, the bypass helps patients with advanced widespread emphysema to breathe more easily.
Comment: The airway bypass procedure is touted as an option for patients who are not suitable candidates for lung transplant surgery or who face years of waiting on a transplant list. However, it is still in clinical trials and available only at a single center in Arizona.
Read article - Medical News Today. February 12, 2008.
Drug Combo Halves Death Risk from COPD - [12/28/07]
Summary: In a new study, patients with severe COPD were 50% less likely to die from any cause while undergoing treatment with a combination of salmeterol and fluticasone (SFC).
Comment: SFC was no more effective than an alternative treatment at reducing the rate of exacerbations.
Read article - Healthfinder.gov. December 28, 2008.
KGF Treatment Improves Transplant Outcomes - [12/19/07]
Summary: In laboratory experiments, treating lung donors with keratinocyte growth factors improved the success of lung transplants.
Comment: Researchers are hopeful that the treatment can be safely used in human transplants.
Read article - Medical News Today. December 19, 2007.
New Inhaler Touted as Easier, Faster, Better - [12/03/07]
Summary: A new dry-powder inhaler device is touted as the easiest, fastest, and safest bronchodilator to treat COPD. The drug, aclidinium bromide, is in phase III trails.
Comment: The new inhaler has a colored window and a lingering taste that help confirm that a dose has been delivered. It also warns patients when only 10 doses remain.
Read article - Medical News Today. December 3, 2007.