COPD Exacerbations Increase the Likelihood of Repeat Exacerbations
New research shows that individual exacerbations in chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) increase the likelihood of repeat exacerbations, even after 5 days of full, asymptomatic recovery.
"This concept that exacerbations are not random has important implication for the analysis of clinical trial data and identifies a specific high-risk period for recurrent exacerbation during which preventative interventions might be targeted," wrote lead author, John Hurst, MD, of the Royal Free and University College Medical School, London.
Prior to this research, exacerbations were assumed to be isolated events unrelated to one another despite observational data that suggested a dependency. In patients with COPD, exacerbations are generally defined as an acute worsening of symptoms, which can decrease lung function, ultimately driving the progression of the disease. Many patients never recover their baseline level of lung function after exacerbations.
To test the validity of this assumption, Hurst and colleagues analyzed daily symptom diaries that were kept for at least one year by 297 patients with COPD, describing nearly 2,000 distinct exacerbation events. Two or more new or worsening symptoms, one of which must be "major" (dyspnea, more sputum, or a change in color of sputum) constituted an exacerbation, and after 5 days of symptoms reverting to baseline severity, the exacerbation was considered to be over. A second exacerbation occurring within an 8-week period was considered to be a recurrent exacerbation. The researchers further analyzed seasonality of exacerbations, comparing their winter (November to January) frequency with their summer (June through August) frequency.
The researchers identified an 8-week period of time during which monitoring and follow-up is crucial to prevent or minimize further exacerbations in the COPD patient. "Our finding of a high-risk period for recurrent exacerbation may be important in guiding patient follow-up," wrote Hurst.
The researchers also found that exacerbations were significantly more common in the winter than the summer. They also noted that "isolated" exacerbations tended on average to be about 25% more severe than the first of serial exacerbations.
"The mechanisms of exacerbation recurrence remain unexplored, and it is unknown whether recurrence is due to persistence of an existing organism or to acquisition of a new one," said Hurst. "The failure to eradicate bacteria with exacerbation therapy has been associated with an incomplete recovery in inflammatory markers and we have recently reported a relationship between elevated C-reactive protein during the recovery period of an initial exacerbation and shorter time to the next."
Results of the study appear in the first issue for March of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
After having a persistent cough for over a year, I was diagnosed with COPD in March 2015. In 2016 my COPD got worse to the point where not only do I have trouble sleeping at night, I also struggle to get air into my lungs. I read in a health forum of a herbal clinic (NewLife Herbal Clinic) who have successful treatment to COPD/Emphysema, i immediately contacted the herbal clinic via their website and purchased the COPD herbal remedy, I used the remedy for 7 weeks, all my symptoms were reversed, i did another test for confirmation, i was declared COPD free. Visit (www. newlifeherbalclinic. weebly. com) or email (newlifeherbalclinic @ gmail. com)
ReplyDeleteAfter having a persistent cough for over a year, I was diagnosed with COPD
Deletein March 2015. In 2016 my COPD got worse to the point where not only do I
have trouble sleeping at night, I also struggle to get air into my lungs. I
read in a health forum of a herbal centre (native health clinic) who have successful treatment to COPD/Emphysema, i immediately
contacted the herbal centre via their website and purchased the COPD herbal
remedy, I used the remedy for 2 weeks, all my symptoms were reversed, i did
another test for confirmation, i was declared COPD free. email (
nativehealthclinic@gmail.com) or WhatsApp/Call him on +2348140073965
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am 56 year old who was diagnosed 4 years ago with Parkinson's. I had severe calf pain, muscle pain, slurred speech, frequent falls, loss of balance, difficulty in getting up from sitting position, i was having a problem accepting my diagnosis, even though I read every thing I could find to read. I was put on Sinemet 3 times daily but it doesn't seem to be helping. I also had difficulty writing. Getting in bed, turning over. i have had good luck with the Sinemet and other meds like Mirapex, but I was extremely tired of it. I have also noticed cognitive decline, but that is also related to a now-removed brain tumor.As the disease progressed all medication stopped working, i was introduced to Health herbal clinic in Johannesburg who have successful herbal treatment to Parkinson's disease. I spoke to few people who used the treatment here in USA and they all gave a positive response, so i immediately purchased the P.D herbal remedy and commenced usage, i used the herbal supplement for only 8 weeks, all symptoms were unbelievably reversed, herbs are truly gift from God. contact this herbal clinic via their email (healthherbalclinic @ gmail. com or visit www. healthherbalclinic. weebly. com)
ReplyDeleteI am 50 years old and I was told I had COPD 10 years ago. I immediately quit smoking, but as the years pass by my situation gets worse, and I started having attacks once a year, then every six months, and later every 3 to 4 months I was in the hospital. I used to be able to exercise, but it was so hard because i was out of breath. I see people say exercise, but understand this, you can`t exercise if you`re out of breath. I live off steroids and became type 2 diabetic from the steroids, but they`were the only medicine that kept me going. No one knows how you really feel unless they have been through your situation, not even some doctors. When the steroids no longer helps, i was introduced to Health herbal clinic in Johannesburg who have successful herbal treatment to COPD and other lungs diseases. I spoke to few people who used the treatment here in USA and they all gave a positive response, so i immediately purchased the COPD herbal remedy and commenced usage, i used the herbal supplement for only 7 weeks, all symptoms gradually faded away, herbs are truly gift from God. contact this herbal clinic via their email healthherbalclinic @ gmail. com or visit www. healthherbalclinic. weebly. com
ReplyDeleteI was told I had emphysema in 1987 when I was 45 years old. I smoked for 30 years, but quit smoking as soon as I was told that I had COPD. Quitting smoking was the hardest thing I ever did. But I knew I would die if I didn't. My health was getting so bad that I needed oxygen 24/7 and was down to 92lbs. Thankfully, in 1999 I got lung volume reduction surgery. It saved my life. I no longer needed oxygen and was able to climb stairs, dance, and travel the world. That good fortune lasted for almost 13 years. I am now back on oxygen 24/7 and can't climb stairs, dance or travel the world. i searched for alternative treatment Online i was introduced to Health herbal clinic by a friend here in the United states she told me they have successful herbal treatment to Emphysema and other lungs diseases. I spoke to few people who used the treatment here in USA and they all gave a positive response, so i immediately purchased the COPD herbal formula and commenced usage, its totally unexplainable how all the symptoms totally dissapeared, my cough was gone and i no longer experience shortness of breath(dyspnea), contact this herbal clinic via their email Info@ healthherbalclinic. net Or website www. healthherbalclinic. net Herbs are truely gift from God
ReplyDeleteI'm currently free from COPD disease,i came upon Dr Abumere advertisement on blog but before i met this herbal center I take Encruse Elipta daily and lots of good supplements for the lungs it was not taking good care of my health the way i want it,thing was only getting easier then i still cough most time,so i contacted this herbal center which they gave me the guideline on how it works,i puchased it and it was deliver to my address so i took it just as they instructed,the moment i start using this herbal remedies i stop experiencing coughing,few weeks later i went to see my doctor and i was told i'm totally free of COPD.
ReplyDeleteplease do not hesitate to contact them for any disease including COPD they got all the organic herbal medicine to cure any disease.
office contact info@abumereherbalcentre.com
http://www.abumereherbalcentre.com
text +1 210-460-7275
I had COPD for 9 years. My first symptoms were dry cough, chest tightness and shortness of breath. My first chest x-ray only showed bronchitis. Finally I went to a pulmonologist and was diagnosed with COPD.i have used all the medication yet they don’t work, last year December I was told by a formal emphysema patient to use totalcureherbalfoundation@gmail.com herbal treatment which I really did,i was surprise the herbal products effectively get rid of my COPD totally. When you get where you cannot breathe it may be too late. Good luck to each and every one that will be trying their herbal treatment .
ReplyDeleteI am not sure of the cause of COPD emphysema in my case. I smoked pack a day for 12 or 13 years, but quit 40 years ago. I have been an outdoor person all my adult life. Coughing started last summer producing thick mucus, greenish tint to clear. I tried prednisone and antibiotics, but no change. X-rays are negative, heart lungs and blood and serum chemistries all are normal. I have lung calcification from childhood bout with histoplasmosis. I am 75 years old and retired.My current doctor directed me to totalcureherbsfoundation .c om which I purchase the COPD herbal remedies from them ,they are located in Johannesburg, the herbal treatment has effectively reduce all my symptoms totally, am waiting to complete the 15 weeks usage because they guaranteed me total cure.
ReplyDeleteMy father was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2013; His initial symptoms were quite noticeable. He first experienced weakness in his right arm and his speech and swallowing abilities were profoundly affected. We all did our best to seek help for this disease no medications they prescribe worked ,we were all scared we might lost him due to his condition, as he had been his brother's caregiver a few years earlier for the same disease before he past. doctor recommend nuatural treatment from total cure herbal foundation for his ALS we have no choice to give a try on natural organic treatment ,this herbal cure has effectively reverse my father condition ,losing his balance which led to stumbling and falling stop after the completing the herbal supplement which include his weakness in his right arm and his speech, home remedies from totalcureherbsfoundation.com is the best although their service is a little bit expensive but it worth it, they save lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm 59 years old and female. I was diagnosed a couple of years ago with COPD and I was beyond scared! My lung function test indicated 49% capacity. After having had flu a year ago, the shortness of breath, coughing and chest pains continued even after being treated with antibiotics. I've been smoking two packs a day for 36 years. Being born without a sternum caused my ribs to be curled in just one inch away from my spine, resulting to underdeveloped lungs. At age 34 I had surgery and it was fixed. Unfortunately my smoking just caused more damage to my already under developed lungs. The problem was having is that I enjoy smoking and don't want to give up! Have tried twice before and nearly went crazy and don't want to go through that again. I saw the fear in my husband and children's eyes when I told them about my condition then they start to find solution on their own to help my condition.I am an 59 now who was diagnose COPD emphysema which I know was from my years of smoking. I started smoking in school when smoking was socially acceptable. I remember when smoking was permitted in hospitals. It was not known then how dangerous cigarettes were for us, and it seemed everybody smoked but i was able to get rid of my COPD lung condition through the help of total cure herbal foundation my husband bought, totalcureherbsfoundation .c om has the right herbal formula to help you get rid and repair any lung conditions and cure you totally with their natural organic herbs,it class products at affordable prices. Purchase these medicines and get the generic medicines delivered in USA, UK & Australia,I wish anybody who starts smoking at a young age would realize what will eventually happen to their bodies if they continue that vile habit throughout their life.
ReplyDeleteI have to convey my admiration for your kind-heartedness giving support to individuals that need help with this important question. Your very own dedication to getting the solution all through had been extraordinarily interesting and has in most cases permitted folks much like me to achieve their pursuits. Your own insightful recommendations denotes this much a person like me and even more to my colleagues. Regards; from each one of us.
ReplyDeletePersonal Concierge Services FL
After having a persistent cough for over a year, I was diagnosed with COPD
ReplyDeletein March 2015. In 2016 my COPD got worse to the point where not only do I
have trouble sleeping at night, I also struggle to get air into my lungs. I
read in a health forum of a herbal centre (native health clinic) who have successful treatment to COPD/Emphysema, i immediately
contacted the herbal centre via their website and purchased the COPD herbal
remedy, I used the remedy for 2 weeks, all my symptoms were reversed, i did
another test for confirmation, i was declared COPD free. email (
nativehealthclinic@gmail.com) or WhatsApp/Call him on +2348140073965
Rhonda S.’s COPD made her feel short of breath and like she was constantly dragging. While her inhalers helped some, she just didn’t feel like herself anymore.
ReplyDeleteAfter having life-threatening pneumonia, she knew something had to change. A friend of hers mentioned multivitamin herbal formula restoration treatment, so Rhonda did some research and decided to receive treatment at the multivitamin herbal cure. “I started to feel better almost right away,” Rhonda said.And, along with feeling better, she began to do things she couldn’t do before treatment. Now, Rhonda can take showers, work in her flower garden, and she enjoys having more energy. It’s with a great deal of hope, Rhonda says, “I feel more like myself.”
Like Rhonda, you can breathe easier and bring normal life back within reach. If you or someone you love has a chronic lung disease and would like more information, contact us today by calling (+1 (956) 758-7882 to visit their website multivitamincare .org
I grew up with asthma; I suffered sinus and respiratory infections my entire life. I started smoking at 16. When I was in my early 40s, my asthma was becoming increasingly worse. I was diagnosed with COPD at age 47. I am now 55. I quit smoking four years ago. The disease does not improve. My good days were far, i was scared that i wont survive it but i was so lucky to receive a herbal products from my step father who bought it while coming from South Africa for Rugby league, this herbal remedies saved me from this disease, at first it helps fight the symptoms of diseases and i was seeing good outcome, i had to use it for 13 weeks just as they Dr was prescribed and i was totally cure of asthma and COPD, (multivitamincare org ) do not hesitate to purchase from them they deliver across worldwide.
ReplyDelete