Blog

Bay Biosciences provides high-quality biopsy tissue samples, formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks, with matched fresh frozen sera (serum), plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) bio-fluids, from patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Moreover, the serum, plasma and PBMCs are processed from patients peripheral whole-blood using customized collection and processing protocols from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients.

Furthermore, the fresh frozen tissue and matched biofluid samples were, collected from unique patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Additionally, the samples are provided to a valued pharmaceutical customer for research, diagnostics, discovery, and drug development.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Overview

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is, in fact, a chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs, in which the airways become blocked, consequently causing cough with mucus, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Furthermore, COPD is primarily an umbrella term for two conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Patients with COPD may have one or both of these issues; moreover, the severity of each varies from person to person.

In particular, emphysema damages the air sacs of the lungs. As a result, the lungs lose their elasticity and are no longer able to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently.

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis involves inflammation of the lining of the airways. This, in turn, results in increased production and thickening of mucus. Notably, bronchitis becomes chronic when it persists and resists treatment.

Asthma

Additionally, asthma symptoms may be part of COPD, and a history of asthma can increase the risk of developing the condition. Specifically, asthma causes inflammation of the airways, which spasm and overreact to inhaled substances.

Ultimately, COPD is a lifelong issue involving irreversible damage to the lungs and, consequently, worsening difficulty breathing and airway obstruction. For instance, a person with advanced COPD may be unable to climb the stairs or cook. Therefore, they may need medications and supplementary oxygen.

Prevalence

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating lung condition that affects 1 in 8 Americans age 45 and older. Furthermore, more than 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more have it but don’t know it.

It’s characterized by increasing breathlessness; in addition, symptoms develop slowly. Although there’s currently no cure for COPD, it’s often preventable and treatable. Specifically, the most common cause is smoking.

Moreover, more than 65 million people people around the world have moderate or severe COPD, and experts predict that this number will continue to rise worldwide over the next 50 years.

With proper management, however, most people with COPD can achieve good symptom control and quality of life. Additionally, they can reduce their risk of other associated diseases, including heart disease and lung cancer.

Statistics of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

According to the world health organization (WHO), COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. In the United States, over 16 million Americans have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, millions more have it and don’t know about it.

The majority of COPD patients are smokers or former smokers. In fact, smoking is the most important risk factor that can be changed. Additionally, most people with COPD are 40 years of age or older.

Genetic Disorder

Moreover, in up to 5% of patients with COPD, the cause is a genetic disorder involving a deficiency of a protein called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Notably, COPD is a leading cause of hospitalizations in industrialized countries. In the United States, COPD is responsible for a large amount of emergency department visits and hospital admissions.

Interestingly, more women than men die from COPD each year in the United States. Consequently, it is the third leading cause of death in the U.S.

It’s projected that the number of patients diagnosed with COPD will increase by more than 150 % from 2010 to 2030. Much of that can be attributed to an aging population.

Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD causes some or all of the following signs and symptoms:

• First, a persistent cough
• Additionally, chest tightness
• Moreover, difficulty breathing that worsens over time
• Also, fatigue
• Furthermore, frequent respiratory infections
• In addition, an inability to breathe easily or take a deep breath
• Furthermore, excess production of  mucus
• Finally, shortness of breath, especially after exertion
• Additionally, wheezing

Additional Symptoms

Consequently, a COPD patient with severe symptoms may also have:

For instance, a rapid heartbeat
Moreover, a bluish tint to the lips or fingernail beds
In addition, reduced mental alertness
Furthermore, shortness of breath while talking

Therefore, anyone with any severe symptoms of COPD should receive immediate medical care.

As COPD progresses, on the other hand, there may be swelling in the legs and feet. Moreover, low oxygen levels in your bloodstream may result in gray or blue discoloration of your lips and fingernails. In addition, you may also experience increased weight loss.

However, if symptoms are mild, a person may not realize that they have COPD. In fact, almost 6.4% of the U.S. population have diagnosed COPD; nonetheless, its actual prevalence may be far more extensive.

Types of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

There are two main types of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD):

• Chronic bronchitis
• Emphysema

Chronic Bronchitis

Emphysema

 

Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the smallest air passages (bronchioles) of the lungs are destroyed as a result of damaging exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritating gases and particulate matter.

Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

One measure of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is achieved by spirometry grading.

Moreover, there are different grading systems; in fact, one grading system is part of the GOLD classification. Specifically, the GOLD classification is used for determining COPD severity and, consequently, helping to form a prognosis and treatment plan.

In addition, there are four GOLD grades based on spirometry testing:

• First, COPD Grade 1: mild
• Moreover, Grade 2: moderate
• Furthermore, COPD Grade 3: severe
• Finally, Grade 4: very severe

This classification is based on the spirometry test result of your FEV1. Notably, this is the amount of air you can breathe out of the lungs in the first second of a forced expiration. Thus, the severity increases as your FEV1 decreases.

Furthermore, the GOLD classification also takes into account your individual symptoms and history of acute exacerbations. Based on this information, your doctor can assign a letter group to you in order to help define your COPD grade.

As the disease progresses, you’re, therefore, more susceptible to complications, such as:

• Firstly, respiratory infections, including common colds, flu, and pneumonia
• Second, heart disease
• Moreover, high blood pressure in lung arteries (pulmonary hypertension)
• Furthermore, lung cancer
• Finally, depression and anxiety

Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Majority of the COPD cases are caused by smoking. However, only one in five smokers will get significant COPD.

Most patients with COPD are at least 40 years old and have at least some history of smoking. Moreover, the longer and more tobacco products you smoke, the greater your risk of COPD is.

In addition to cigarette smoke, it is important to note that cigar smoke, pipe smoke, and secondhand smoke can also cause COPD. Furthermore, your risk of COPD is even greater if you have asthma and smoke.

Exposure to Pollutants

Additionally, COPD can also occur in those who’ve had long-term exposure and contact with harmful pollutants in their workplace. Specifically, some of these harmful lung irritants include certain chemicals, dust, or fumes. Another cause, for example, is exposure to chemical fumes.

Furthermore, heavy or long-term contact with secondhand smoke or other lung irritants in the home, such as organic cooking fuel, may also cause COPD.

In developing countries, along with tobacco smoke, homes are often poorly ventilated; consequently, this forces families to breathe fumes from burning fuel used for cooking and heating.

Finally, rarely, it’s caused by something called alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. It’s a genetic condition that causes low levels of the AAT protein, which helps to protect the lungs.

Risk Factors of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

In the U.S., as many as 75% of the patients with COPD smoke or once did. Beyond smoking, COPD risk factors include:

•  A family history of COPD.
• Additionally, exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant factor.
• Furthermore, asthma is another risk factor.
• Moreover, exposure to other air pollutants and toxins, at home or in the workplace, for example, can also contribute to the risk.
• Furthermore, genetic factors, which may lead to a deficiency of the protective protein alpha-1 antitrypsin, are important to consider.

If COPD develops before the age of 40, there is usually an underlying health issue, such as an alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.

Asthma can increase the risk of COPD because it inflames and narrows the airways. However, treatment can usually reverse any damage resulting from asthma.

Diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Various conditions can cause coughing and breathing problems. However, if a person has COPD, these symptoms persist and worsen over time.

To diagnose COPD, a doctor will check for the following:

• A physical examination using a stethoscope to listen to the person’s breathing.
• Additionally, the patient’s personal and family medical histories will be reviewed.
• Finally, a history of smoking and exposure to other pollutants will be assessed.

Diagnostic Tests

• In addition doctors will performs or requests the following diagnostic tests:
  
  • A Pulmonary function Tests (PFT)
  • Spirometry is a noninvasive test to assess lung function. During the test, you’ll take a deep breath and then blow into a tube connected to the spirometer.
  • An arterial blood test to measure the oxygen levels in the blood.
  • Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan.

One lung function test, spirometry, measures the amount and speed of airflow during a short breath. The person blows hard into a tube attached to a device called spirometer, which gives the reading.

Arterial blood gas test involves taking a blood sample from an artery to measure your blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other important levels.

This and similar tests can help rule out other conditions or indicate COPD.

The doctor will also use the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines to assess  COPD symptoms and the risk of them worsening.

These tests can help determine if you have COPD or a different condition, such as asthma, a restrictive lung disease, or heart failure.

Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

There is no cure for COPD. Treatment involves managing and easing the symptoms to improve the quality of life, reduce the risk of complications, and slow the progression of the health issues involved.

Air Pollution Avoidance

Patients with COPD  should avoid exposure to air pollutants.

This may involve the following measures:

• Asking others not to smoke nearby
• Avoiding places where people are spraying paint or insect repellant
• Staying home with the windows closed when air pollution levels are high
• Wearing protective gear, such as a mask, when working in a dusty environment
• Avoiding open fires

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Several different measures can help reduce the impact and progression of COPD.

Breathing Exercises

These can counter breathlessness, and some examples include pursed-lip breathing and diaphragmatic breathing, or belly breathing.

Complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are most likely to experience the following complications:

• Firstly, a loss of work and income;
• Secondly, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma;
• Additionally, confusion and memory loss;
• Moreover, fair or poor overall health;
• Furthermore, mobility problems, due to shortness of breath;
• n addition, mental health conditions, such as depression;
• Lastly, social isolation.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Lung Cancer

COPD and lung cancer are linked in a number of ways. Specifically, these two diseases are major health problems around the world.

Notably, smoking is the primary risk factor for both diseases. Furthermore, both are more likely if you breathe secondhand smoke or are exposed to chemicals or other fumes in the workplace. Consequently, COPD and lung cancer have many similar and common risk factors.

Moreover, there may be a genetic predisposition to developing both diseases. Additionally, the risk of developing either COPD or lung cancer increases with age.

According to a study, COPD prevalence is increased in lung cancer patients, independent of age, sex, and smoking history. Therefore, it is estimated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common comorbid disease in lung cancer, affecting an estimated 40-70% of lung cancer patients, depending on diagnostic criteria.”

Another study suggests they may actually be different aspects of the same disease; moreover, COPD could be a driving factor in lung cancer.

In some cases, people don’t know they have COPD until they’re diagnosed with lung cancer. Nevertheless, having COPD doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get lung cancer. Instead, it does mean that you have a higher risk. That’s another reason why, if you smoke, quitting is a good idea.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Other Health Problems (Comorbidities)

Furthermore, comorbid conditions seem to be more common in patients with COPD than in patients with other medical problems. Specifically, these conditions may include the following:

• High blood pressure (Hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Depression
• Arthritis
• Sleep Apnea
• Cancer
• Other medical problems

One reason for these additional problems may relate to the lung inflammation that occurs in patients with COPD. Consequently, patients with COPD have inflammation in their lungs, as well as some inflammation in their blood. Many experts believe that this blood inflammation can cause some damage to the heart, muscles, and bones of patients with COPD.