Categories
· Health/Science
· COPD
· Inflammation/infections/immunity
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New drug might slow the destructive lung condition, studies show
Jump to full article: HealthDay [HealthScout], 2009-08-28
Author: Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter
Intro: Although there is no cure for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), starting treatment early may slow progression of the illness and add years to the lives of sufferers, new research finds.
COPD is a progressive, destructive disease of the lungs that is usually brought on by years of smoking. Symptoms include restricted breathing, secretion of mucus, oxidative stress and airway inflammation. It is estimated that as many as 24 million Americans have COPD, and the number is rising.
Three reports published in the Aug. 29 issue of The Lancet, a special issue devoted to COPD, offer new insight into treatments, including a new anti-inflammatory drug that shows promise.
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