Latest COPD news, research for primary care physicians

An estimated 12 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and another 12 million likely have the disease, but are unaware, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Moreover, the amount of people impacted by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rising.

“[COPD] is the third leading cause of death in the United States,” the NHLBI wrote on its website. “The disease kills more than 120,000 Americans each year — that’s one death every 4 minutes — and causes serious, long-term disability.”

Marking National COPD Awareness Month this November, Healio Internal Medicine presents the latest news and research on COPD for physicians.

USPSTF recommends against screening for COPD

Asymptomatic adults should not be screened for COPD, according to a recommendation from the US Preventive Services Task Force. Read More.

Many COPD patients face substantial challenges in accessing adequate care

Patients with chronic lung disease face significant barriers in accessing care, including high treatment costs and substandard care, according to a report presented at the annual American Thoracic Society International Conference. Read More.

COPD exacerbations associated with significant lung function loss

Acute exacerbations are related to significant long-term decline in lung function in patients with COPD, particularly among those with a mild form of the disease, according to findings published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Read More.

Pulmonary rehabilitation impact on COPD exacerbation unclear, important

Results from randomized controlled trials and cohort studies conflict on whether pulmonary rehabilitation reduces physician visits and hospitalizations for patients with acute exacerbations of COPD; however, evidence shows that rehabilitation is beneficial overall, maintaining its importance. Read More.

Higher hospitalization rate seen in COPD patients with history of asthma

A history of asthma in patients with COPD heightened the risk for disease-related hospitalizations, according to a population study published in Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Read More.

High indoor temperatures may worsen COPD symptoms

Patients with COPD who live in homes with higher indoor temperatures, as well as high levels of air pollutants, develop worse symptoms of the disease, according to study results published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society. Read More.

VIDEO: MedImmune collaborations produce three discoveries in COPD

PHILADELPHIA — Roland Kolbeck, vice president of research and development for Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity at MedImmune, spoke with Healio Rheumatology about the company’s collaborations with academic institutions that led to three COPD discoveries. Read More.

For more information:

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/copd/event-listing/awareness-month/