Autoimmunity plays a role in the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study that analyzed human genome information. Source
Childhood exposure to secondhand smoke may increase risk of adult lung disease death
A new study suggests that long-term exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood increases the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) death in adulthood. Source
E-cigarette vapor disables key immune cells in the lung and boosts inflammation
E-cigarette vapor boosts the production of inflammatory chemicals and disables key protective cells in the lung that keep the air spaces clear of potentially harmful particles, reveals a small experimental study. Source
More than 40 percent of women with asthma may develop COPD, but risk may be reduced
More than four in 10 women with asthma may go on to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a study conducted in Ontario, Canada. Source
Cannabis does not improve breathlessness during exercise in patients with advanced COPD
Inhaled vaporized cannabis does not appear to improve or worsen exercise performance and activity-related breathlessness in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a randomized controlled trial. Source
Stem cell therapy drug may protect against smoke-related COPD symptoms
A drug used in stem cell therapy to treat certain cancers may also protect against cigarette smoke-induced lung injury. Source
Flavonoids may slow lung function decline due to aging
A type of flavonoid found in dark-pigmented fruits like red grapes and blueberries may slow the lung function decline that occurs with aging. Source
Research sheds light on a novel disease mechanism in chronic smokers
Research suggests that an immune signalling protein called interleukin (IL)-26 is increased among chronic smokers with lung disease and this involvement reveals disease mechanisms of interest for developing more effective therapy for these hard-to-treat patients. Source
How the power of mathematics can help assess lung function
Researchers have developed a new computational way of analyzing X-ray images of lungs, which could herald a breakthrough in the diagnosis and assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. Source
Occupational exposures linked with increased risk of COPD
A study with more than 3,300 participants in 12 countries has established a relationship between occupational exposure to biological dusts, gases, fumes and pesticides and COPD. The researchers did a follow-up of the participants 20 years after the first assessment. Source