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Early Treatment of COPD May Increase Life Expectancy |
Treating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) during its early
stages may slow the progression of the disease and allow those who
suffer from the illness to live longer and suffer less. New research
offers renewed hope for those who have been diagnosed with COPD.
Now the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, COPD is a
progressive disease that causes irreversible damage to the lungs and is
most commonly caused by years of smoking. An estimated 24 million
Americans suffer from COPD. Symptoms of the illness may include
shortness of breath, a persistent cough, mucus production, wheezing,
chest tightness, and tiredness.
Patients who began early treatment with the inhaled drug experienced
improved outcomes in comparison to patients who remained untreated. The
treatment demonstrated clear improvements in lung function,
health-related quality of life, exacerbations and even, maybe, in
mortality. The treatment also seemed to reduce the rate at which the
disease progresses.
Health News
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