Health Conditions

What is on the horizon?

Researchers are continually researching new and more effective ways of treating COPD. Currently, researchers are attempting to get a better understanding of the disease to be able to more effectively treat COPD. There are several medications that are being researched. One such area of research is cytokine modulators. These substances are thought to work on certain chemicals in the body that may worsen COPD. Another option for some individuals may be surgery. There have been studies showing that emphysema patients may benefit from surgery to decrease their lung volume. It is not fully understood why, but lung surgery has been shown to increase quality of life. Investigators are also researching ways to diagnose and monitor the progression of the disease. In addition, more smoking cessation education is being promoted.

The use of inhaled and oral corticosteroids in COPD is somewhat controversial. There is continuous research that is giving added support to using oral corticosteroids short term to prevent exacerbations of COPD. A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine in June of 2003 found that early use of steroids, within hours of the onset of symptoms, helps prevent exacerbations (a sudden worsening of the condition). Side effects, which are common when using oral corticosteroids, from short-term use of oral steroids are generally minimal.

It is now recognized that 10 to 20 percent of COPD patients have never smoked. Furthermore, only a fraction of smokers do eventually become COPD patients suggesting that genetics and environmental factors play a more important role than what was originally thought. Researches are beginning to further look into air pollution and occupational hazards that lead to COPD. In addition, analysis of patients in National Emphysema Treatment Trial and the National Institutes of Health studies are revealing genetic associations that put people at risk for developing COPD.

Inhaled corticosteroids have been studied for their use in COPD. They are currently recommended for use patients with severe COPD who experience repeat exacerbations. Many combination corticosteroid and bronchodilator products have been manufactured. Currently there is a new combination product known as Symbicort that is in the final stages of trials. This new product has shown promising results in treating COPD and most likely will be seeking FDA approval in the future.