Check out These New Treatments for COPD
According to research, two experimental therapies may be able to control the condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a severe lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, and progresses overtime. The effect it has on breathing not only causes physical tension, but also leads to high levels of stress due to the fear experienced during a severe flare-up. The treatments methods discovered offer hope to those with COPD who haven’t yet experienced relief from their condition.
Chinese Medicinal Herb
The first new treatment for COPD is in the form of a Chinese medicinal herb called red sage. This herb has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, ranging from menstruation to heart disorders to blood circulation improvement.
This compound works as a powerful weapon against chronic inflammation, a staple of COPD, since it controls the response of a specific type of white blood cell that is responsible for flare-ups in COPD and similar conditions.
According to researchers, neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell present within the human body. This blood cell is responsible for fighting infections, and helps to improve the body’s immune response.
It’s believed that reducing inflammation in those with COPD with the use of red sage can reduce or eliminate the symptoms of COPD.
Utilizing Nanoparticles
A microscopic particle known as a nanoparticle has shown researchers a way to prevent binding of neutrophils from the blood vessel walls. The researchers stated that, used along with anti-inflammatories, nanoparticles could be more effective in treating the inflammation that comes along with COPD than using the anti-inflammatories alone.
According to Asrar B. Malik, the head of pharmacology in the UIC College of Medicine, "It binds to a receptor found only on these activated, sticky neutrophils, and the cell automatically engulfs whatever binds there. Because circulating neutrophils lack these receptors, the system is incredibly precise and targets only those immune cells that are actively contributing to inflammatory disease."
While there are many treatment or medication options for COPD, some patients are unable to find an effective treatment method. These two options of new treatments for COPD offer hope for those suffering with untreated symptoms, and may even relieve symptoms altogether for some patients with COPD.