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COPD Drugs Not as Effective in Patients Who Smoke

A collaborative research study between several Australian institutions suggests that cigarette smoking and infection with viruses such as influenza can reduce the effectiveness of symptom-reliever drugs like salbutamol in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

These findings were published in a research article, “Influenza A virus infection and cigarette smoke impair bronchodilator responsiveness to β-adrenoceptor agonists in mouse lung,” in the Clinical Science journal.

COPD, a term used to describe several types of lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive airways disease, is distinguished by inflamed and blocked airways that make breathing difficult. The recurrent inflammation of the lungs leads to permanent structural changes, making COPD patients more susceptible to frequent infections. Smoking tobacco is the primary risk factor for COPD, which works by altering the immunity of the patients and raising their vulnerability to infections.

There is currently no cure for COPD, but the symptoms can be relieved in various ways, including through medicines. Among them, β2-adrenoceptor agonists such as salbutamol are frequently used to expand the patient’s airways and allow them to breathe easily. But it has been suggested that smoking may influence the effectiveness of the drugs.

To clarify the mechanism involved in the loss of drug effectiveness, researchers examined sections of lung exposed to cigarette smoke, as well as to influenza A virus. The team discovered that lung tissues exposed to cigarette smoke and viral infection responded less to salbutamol than the unexposed tissues.

“By understanding the mechanisms responsible for reduced sensitivity to current bronchodilators, we can then design alternative, more efficacious agents to help treat people with COPD, especially during a viral exacerbation.

“There is a clear need for new therapies that can overcome the limitations of current drugs used to treat COPD and associated flare-ups. When combined with knowledge gained through clinical research, animal models utilizing cigarette smoke exposure are a valuable tool in the quest to identify new therapies for this life-changing condition.

“The findings of this study suggest that cigarette smoke and respiratory virus infections may impair the ability of salbutamol to effectively bronchodilate the airways. These findings emphasize yet again that smoking is bad for you, and especially so if you have asthma or COPD.

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Comments

  1. I'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 because how awful it is with this lung dictions . 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, certainly total cure herbs is the formula to get over Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

    ReplyDelete
  2. I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their email at ultimatehealthhome@gmail.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

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