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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation, often accompanied by pathological changes such as bronchitis and emphysema, and is irreversible. The main manifestations are persistent cough, expectoration, and shortness of breath, with symptoms gradually worsening and potentially leading to respiratory failure. Long-term smoking, air pollution, and exposure to harmful gases are major causes. It is most common in middle-aged and elderly populations, especially those with a history of chronic respiratory infections or long-term smoking. In recent years, stem cell therapy has provided new hope for this disease and is gradually being explored in clinical practice.
Europe and the United States
In European and American countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, COPD prevalence is generally high, closely associated with long-term smoking and industrial pollution. In the United States, more than 16 million people have COPD, making it the third leading cause of death. The proportion of male to female patients is roughly equal.
Southeast Asia
In countries such as China, India, and the Philippines, the prevalence of COPD has increased significantly in recent years. Especially in rural areas, due to high rates of biomass fuel smoke exposure and smoking, COPD has become one of the major chronic diseases. In China, the number of patients exceeds 100 million.
1. Progressive Decline in Lung Function
The greatest hazard of COPD is the gradual deterioration of lung function. Patients may develop shortness of breath and activity limitations within a few years. In severe cases, dyspnea may occur even at rest.
2. Increased Risk of Infection
Due to long-term inflammation of the airway mucosa, patients are more susceptible to bacterial or viral infections, leading to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, which can cause sudden worsening of the disease.
3. Multiple Systemic Comorbidities
COPD often coexists with heart failure, hypertension, osteoporosis, and other diseases. Long-term hypoxia affects cardiac and brain function, increasing the risk of systemic chronic diseases.
4. Psychological Burden and Reduced Quality of Life
Frequent flare-ups, long-term medication use, and limited activity often lead to anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions, seriously affecting family and social functioning.
1. Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy regulates immunity, repairs damaged lung tissue, and suppresses inflammatory responses, with the potential to improve lung function and reduce chronic airway damage. At United Life International Medical Center, this therapy combines precision medicine with individual differences to provide patients with novel treatment options.
2. Immune Cell Therapy
Immune cell therapy helps regulate chronic inflammatory responses, control infection progression, reduce alveolar destruction and fibrosis, and clear senescent and abnormal immune cells, optimizing the local pulmonary immune environment.
1. Inhaled Bronchodilators
The use of long-acting β2 agonists (LABA) or anticholinergics (LAMA) can effectively dilate airways, improve ventilation, and increase daily activity capacity, making them one of the core measures of current treatment.
2. Inhaled Corticosteroids
For patients prone to acute exacerbations, inhaled corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and lower the rate of acute worsening, but must be used under medical supervision.
3. Oxygen Therapy and Respiratory Support
Severe patients require long-term home oxygen therapy. During hypoxemia, high-flow oxygen should be administered in time, and non-invasive ventilation may be needed to maintain respiratory function.
4. Smoking Cessation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Smoking cessation is one of the most effective preventive measures. Combined with pulmonary rehabilitation training, such as endurance exercises and breathing exercises, disease progression can be significantly delayed.
5. Antibiotics During Acute Exacerbations
During COPD exacerbations, antibiotics are often required to control infections, especially when symptoms such as purulent sputum, fever, and abnormal lung sounds occur.
6. Vaccination for Complication Prevention
High-risk patients are advised to receive regular influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations to effectively reduce infection risk, hospitalization, and mortality.
7. Emotional Management and Psychological Counseling
Patients are encouraged to receive psychological counseling to manage anxiety caused by breathing difficulties, enhance confidence in fighting the disease, and improve quality of life.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressively developing chronic disease that poses a serious threat to respiratory function and overall health. Experts at United Life International Medical Center state that scientific and systematic treatment strategies, especially the application of innovative therapies such as stem cells, bring more hope to patients. Early identification and intervention are crucial.
