Despite Treatment, Burden of COPD High Among Patients in US

Despite treatment, a large number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the U.S. continue to experience a high symptom burden and frequent exacerbations, or episodes of sudden disease worsening, a study reported. Findings highlight the need to better understand the real-world effectiveness of COPD management strategies…

Simple, Low-cost Tests May Help Identify Undiagnosed COPD in China

Low-cost screening involving a questionnaire and a breathing test may help identify patients with undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study conducted in China has found. Among the combinations tested, the Chinese symptom-based questionnaire (C-SBQ) combined with microspirometry — a test that measures how much air a patient…

Study Finds Differences in COPD Care Between Doctors, Nurse Practioners, and Physician Assistants

A new study investigated the differences in the services provided to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by doctors and by nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The study was conducted by researchers from The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, and published in the scientific periodical PLOS…