Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Research Paper

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a general term for a respiratory disease primarily caused by smoking tobacco, in which the key symptoms are coughing, sputum production, and dyspnea (Canada 2021). The primary conditions that fall under COPD are chronic bronchitis and emphysema (Canada 2021). The treatments for these diseases are personalized and depend on the severity of symptoms that an individual experiences (COPD 2021). 

Since COPD causes inflammation of the bronchioles, a physician may prescribe a short (SABA) or long-acting (LABA) bronchodilator such as beta-2-agonists or anticholinergics (Lung 2021). Beta-2-agonists have the same effects as epinephrine by dilating the bronchioles (Abosamak & Shahin 2021). However, they only stimulate beta-2 receptors—located in the lungs—to avoid the contraction of other smooth muscles (Abosamak & Shahin 2021). Anticholinergics work by preventing acetylcholine— the neurotransmitter responsible for smooth muscle contraction—from binding to its receptor (Scullion 2007). Physicians may also prescribe oral or inhaled corticosteroids to alleviate the inflammation and further dilate the airways (Barnes 2010). Inhaled steroids such as fluticasone are often used along with LABAs in combination inhalers (Lung 2021). These steroids work by activating specific genes which inhibit the creation of inflammatory cells, and they also create an airway environment in which inflammatory cells cannot survive (Barnes 2010). In cases where large groups of damaged alveoli (bullae) form a pocket of air and inhibit normal breathing, a bullectomy may be required. (Mayo 2021). This surgery allows the healthier alveoli to function better since they are no longer crowded out by bullae (Lung 2021). 

Studies show that smoking cessation may also improve quality of life by decreasing the chances of hospitalization and improving general lung health (Godtfredsen et al. 2002). Compared to heavy smokers, COPD patients who quit smoking reduced their likelihood of hospitalization by 40% and decreased the rate of decline of their forced expiratory volume (FEV) (Godtfredsen et al. 2002). However, reducing the amount of tobacco, even by 50%, did not affect dyspnea, FEV, or the chance of hospitalization (Godtfredsen et al. 2002). Therefore, the ideal treatment and recovery cannot be achieved without smoking cessation. Furthermore, treatments such as oxygen therapy, exercise, and pulmonary rehabilitation can help patients who suffer from dyspnea improve their ability to perform basic tasks by increasing their blood oxygen concentration (COPD 2021). There is also statistical evidence that the Chinese herb Yufeining (YFN) reduces mucus and improves lung function in COPD patients by 26% compared to a placebo group, however, this treatment is yet to be tested in combination with western medicine (Hong et al. 2018). 

Though the treatments mentioned above may help improve quality of life, there is no known cure for COPD (NHS 2021). Therefore, it is critical to catch it in the early stages and stop smoking as soon as possible to reduce exacerbation and thus reduce the need for extreme measures such as surgery (NHS 2021).