Understanding End-Stage COPD: Research, Treatment & Quality of Life

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that approximately 12 million people suffer from COPD--Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease--and in 2007, this disease was the cause of over 127,000 deaths in the United States. As of 2010, the COPD Foundation is conducting research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from COPD.

Identification

• COPD is a chronic disease of the lungs that causes labored breathing. The disease grows progressively worse over time. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of COPD. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease--GOLD--has created general guidelines for treating COPD. In the beginning stages, the disease must be evaluated and monitored, and risk factors identified. When advanced to stage three and four, it must be managed when stable, and controlled when acute symptoms are exacerbated.

Medical Research

• The COPD Foundation has developed numerous research programs focused on therapy, accessibility of scientific data and methods to enhance the quality of life for individuals suffering from the disease. Additional research programs are aimed at helping discover undiagnosed cases of COPD.

Treatment for End-Stage COPD

• According to Richard J. Martin, MD, for patients in end-stage COPD, appropriate treatments include the use of one or more bronchodilators on a regular basis, inhaled steroids, pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory therapy. Oxygen treatments are also recommended. At times, surgical intervention becomes necessary in order to reduce lung volume.