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Patient perspectives central for developing new therapies for COPD


COPD Foundation's PIVOT initiative puts patients at the forefront

Miami (December 4, 2024) - The perspectives and priorities of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be integrated into the development process of new therapies for COPD, according to a new commentary. The article is published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor.

The commentary discusses the COPD Foundation's PIVOT (Patient-Inspired Validation of Outcome Tools) initiative, a patient-centric framework to validate outcome measures for use in clinical trials in COPD. A foundational component of PIVOT is the creation of a unified set of patient-inspired health concepts in COPD.

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COPD Foundation announces collaboration with Wanda Health and ProAxsis


Miami & Belfast, Northern Ireland (November 26, 2024) - The COPD Foundation announces Wanda Health and ProAxsis as partners in the Foundation's Digital Health Corporate Social Responsibility program. Through this program, the Foundation expands its support of innovations aimed at improving the lives of millions living with chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk and disease management remains poor. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue and chronic cough.

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These permanently widened airways lead to a buildup of mucus and impaired clearance of bacteria from the lungs. Between 340,000 and 522,000 adults are receiving treatment in the U.S.

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COPD Foundation, lung health champions worldwide raise awareness of chronic lung disease


November 20 marks annual World COPD Day

Miami (November 20, 2024) - The COPD Foundation joins lung health champions around the world in recognition of World COPD Day today, November 20, to raise awareness, share knowledge and take action to reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough.

This year's World COPD Day is focused on "Know Your Lung Function" and highlights the importance of spirometry. Spirometry is an important tool in diagnosing COPD and can also be used throughout a person's life to assess a person's lung function as an indicator of their overall health.

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Novel SOURCE study examining development of early COPD in ages 30 to 55


New study aims to provide new insight into how COPD progresses in people with a smoking history

Miami (November 14, 2024) - Researchers are exploring how small airway abnormalities in younger smokers could help identify who is at risk of developing COPD and establish how the chronic lung disease progresses, according to a new article. The article is published in the September 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease, comprising several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke and pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide.

The multi-year, multicenter study - the SPIROMICS Study of Early Disease Progression (SOURCE) - is focused on enrolling a younger cohort of participants (ages 30 to 55) who have a history of cigarette smoking to help define the mechanisms of COPD progression. The study is examining small airway abnormalities that may lead to emphysema, as well as the possibility of using sputum as a biomarker for COPD.

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Debunking common myths about COPD


COPD affects 30 million people, yet is still misunderstood

Miami (November 12, 2024) - November is COPD Awareness Month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans, yet many of those don't yet know they have it.

There are several misconceptions surrounding chronic lung disease. Through COPD Awareness Month and other educational initiatives, the COPD Foundation is working to better inform the community about this disease.

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Increased focus on comorbidities, socioeconomic factors would help improve health equity for people with COPD


Authors suggest using syndemic theory approach to help address disparities

Miami (November 7, 2024) – Health care providers treating people with COPD also need to focus on the person’s socioeconomic factors, along with considering their additional health conditions or comorbidities, according to a new article. The article is published in the September 2024 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an inflammatory lung disease, comprising several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke and pollution.

Research has linked poverty to COPD and its related comorbidities, which for many individuals with COPD includes cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders like diabetes.

This new editorial provides evidence on the need to classify COPD as a syndemic—two (or more) diseases within specific populations with common social factors that increase disease burden. The authors suggest that a syndemic theory approach to COPD would encourage more holistic care, would help identify and address socioeconomic factors that contribute to a person’s risk of developing COPD, and would demonstrate the need to actively enroll research participants from minority populations.

“Syndemic theory examines why health and social issues accumulate in particular populations,” said Sophia A. Hayes, M.D., M.S., a pulmonary and critical care clinical and research fellow at the University of Washington and lead author of the article. “Applying this framework to COPD would encourage more points of intervention to help address risk factors for COPD like exposure to second-hand smoke, air pollution and poor nutrition, which are associated with marginalization and lower socioeconomic status.

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Pulmonary rehabilitation helps people with chronic lung diseases live better


Programs help people improve strength and stamina, reduce shortness of breath

Miami (November 5, 2024) – Pulmonary rehabilitation programs combine exercise training, health education and breathing techniques to help people with chronic lung disease live better lives. Research has shown benefits for people diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis and other chronic pulmonary conditions.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease’s symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor.

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are a combination of educational classes and supervised exercise sessions designed for people who have difficulty breathing. Programs help people understand their breathing and how to live better with their condition.

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COPD Foundation Marks COPD Awareness Month in November


Miami (October 31, 2024) - November is COPD Awareness Month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects more than 30 million Americans and is characterized by shortness of breath.

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor.

The COPD Foundation and its community have a full month of activities planned in November to raise awareness of COPD and to emphasize the need for increased research, funding and support for people impacted by chronic lung disease.

"This November, we join lung health champions around the world to raise awareness of COPD. COPD affects millions of people, yet many are unaware of the disease and its symptoms," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "By increasing awareness through initiatives like Lace Up for Lungs, social media sharing and lighting landmarks, we can collaborate toward better understanding and management of COPD to help people live longer, healthier lives."

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Landmarks across US, Canada and Australia illuminate orange to raise awareness of COPD


Miami (October 29, 2024) - In honor of COPD Awareness Month in November, 42 landmarks across the United States, Canada and Australia will light up orange to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide.

"While nearly 30 million Americans have COPD, half of those don't know it yet. Increasing awareness of COPD, the need for early diagnosis and symptoms is key to finding those missing millions," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "We are excited to partner with these iconic buildings and locations to raise awareness of COPD this November."

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COPD Foundation and 1st Class Medical continue collaboration to promote respiratory health awareness


Miami & Parker, Colo. (October 28, 2024) - The COPD Foundation has announced the continuation of its collaboration with 1st Class Medical, a leading provider of respiratory equipment dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with respiratory conditions. This ongoing collaboration aims to further raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic lung conditions.

COPD affects an estimated 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide. COPD comprises several conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue and chronic cough.

As part of the collaboration, 1st Class Medical will donate $5 to the COPD Foundation for every oxygen concentrator sold in November, which is COPD Awareness Month. These funds will help support COPD research, education and advocacy efforts aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with COPD and chronic lung disease.

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COPD Foundation, Kaia Health partnership focuses on the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation


Miami & New York, NY (October 21, 2024) - The COPD Foundation announces Kaia Health as a new partner in the Digital Health Corporate Social Responsibility program. This collaboration highlights the Foundation's commitment to supporting innovative digital solutions to improve the lives of individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important aspect of COPD management; however, geographic or logistical challenges can prevent people from accessing in-person programs. Kaia Health's digital-first approach helps overcome these obstacles, offering a flexible, accessible alternative to in-person rehabilitation programs.

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COPD Foundation, global partners unite for World Oxygen Day


Second annual awareness event on October 2 highlights issues around medical oxygen delivery

Miami (September 26, 2024) - The second annual World Oxygen Day, led by the COPD Foundation, will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. The global awareness day brings together more than a dozen global patient advocacy organizations and professional societies to recognize and raise awareness of the importance of oxygen and oxygen therapy.

Low oxygen levels (known as hypoxemia) affect millions of people around the world living with a variety of respiratory and cardiac conditions. More than nine million people around the world live with chronic hypoxemia, with millions more needing short-term supplemental oxygen to survive acute conditions, such as pneumonia or traumatic injuries. Diseases and processes that cause hypoxemia can happen to people of any age.

Symptoms of hypoxemia can include shortness of breath, fatigue and confusion. Hypoxemia is most often detected with a pulse oximeter, which uses light pulses to measure how much oxygen is attached to hemoglobin molecules in the bloodstream. It is treated with supplemental oxygen therapy.

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