What Types of Research on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Is the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Supporting?
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) is supporting a number of research programs on COPD with the following objectives: 1) to understand its underlying causes, 2) to develop methods of early detection, 3) to improve treatment, and 4) to help patient’s and their families better manage the disease. A study completed several years ago examined the use of oxygen therapy for people who, because of COPD, cannot get enough oxygen into their blood by breathing air. This study has determined that continuous oxygen therapy is more beneficial in extending life than giving oxygen only for 12 hours at night. Another clinical study compared inhalation therapy using a machine which administers medication to the lungs by intermittent positive pressure breathing (IPPB) with one that delivers the medicine by relying on the patient’s own breathing. Although home use of IPPB machines is widespread, previous studies had not been able to show conclusively whether they were effective. In thi
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