Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is most commonly caused by smoking. The patient finds it harder and harder to breathe. Pharmaceutical companies are developing new medicines to improve the symptoms. In the future, it is hoped that patients with this disease will lead a less restricted life.
Disease: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Last update: June 2008
Intro
FAQ: What can be done about it?
Treatment is mainly aimed at controlling the symptoms of COPD, and preventing the acute episodes. In mild COPD, medicines that enlarge the airways have been developed. In more serious disease, steroid drugs may be given as well. In severe cases, oxygen may be needed too. Antibiotics may be given during episodes of infection. Giving up smoking is vital. It is the only thing that may slow the progression of COPD. Medicines that can help people stop smoking can be of great value.
-
What is it?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a progressive, irreversible restriction of breathing. In COPD the lungs become abnormally inflamed, leading to coughing, chronic breathlessness and sputum production. Smoking is by far the most common cause, followed by exposure to dusts, chemicals or air pollution. Bacterial infection in the lungs commonly leads to acute episodes. -
Who gets it?
COPD is uncommon under the age of 45 and increasingly common thereafter. It has been estimated that as few as one in four cases are diagnosed. Many people have 'smoker's cough', produce sputum and are breathless during and after exercise for a long time before seeing a doctor. -
What can be done about it?
Treatment is mainly aimed at controlling the symptoms of COPD, and preventing the acute episodes. In mild COPD, medicines that enlarge the airways have been developed. In more serious disease, steroid drugs may be given as well. In severe cases, oxygen may be needed too. Antibiotics may be given during episodes of infection. Giving up smoking is vital. It is the only thing that may slow the progression of COPD. Medicines that can help people stop smoking can be of great value. -
What does the future hold?
The pharmaceutical industry is developing new agents, and combinations of agents, that improve the symptoms of COPD. Companies are also researching a variety of products that interfere with the many different steps of the inflammatory process involved in COPD. This research may lead to a new way of treating the condition.