Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a spectrum of chronic respiratory disorders characterized by symptoms including airflow limitation, impaired gas exchange, dyspnea and tissue inflammation. Airway clearance impairment is characteristic. Significantly increased sputum production, or chronic bronchitis, is common but not universal.

Currently, 16 million Americans are living with COPD. Annually, more than 100,000 deaths, 500,000 hospitalizations, and 14 million office visits are attributed directly to the condition, at an estimated total cost of over 32 billion dollars.

Disease management is directed toward managing symptoms, improving quality of life, and moderating episodes of exacerbation and subsequent disease progression Although the pace and severity of symptoms varies markedly from patient to patient, patients with the "best" outcomes are those who, together with their physicians and families, find ways to control their symptoms and to live as fully as possible.

Until recently, COPD has been considered progressive, irreversible, and incurable. New insights have led to the development of novel strategies with the potential to modify or control some causes and effects of disease progression. Discoveries concerning inflammation, oxidative stress and proteolysis within the lungs drive the search for targeted drugs.

Effective secretion management has the potential to moderate COPD symptoms and consequences including:
  • excess airway mucus
  • airway inflammation
  • airway obstruction
  • dyspnea
  • bronchial spasm
  • infectious exacerbations
  • pneumonia
  • respiratory failure
  • need for mechanical ventilation
  • quality of life deficits
  • healthcare costs
  • risk of premature death

To view all clinical HFCC studies…
See also…

    Articles

  • Braverman J, Kulenkamp A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease- A role for high frequency chest compression therapy. Respir Therp 2007; 2 (40: 20-23. [Link]
  • Braverman J, Nozzarella M. High-frequency chest compression: Advanced therapy for obstructive lung disease. Respir Therp 2007; 2 (2): 48-51. [Link]

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