Respirology : official journal of the Asian Pacific Society of Respirology
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Oxidative stress resulting from tobacco smoking has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidant and antioxidant levels in smokers with and without COPD. ⋯ Our study demonstrates that there is an oxidant antioxidant imbalance in COPD patients and suggests the importance of GPx in maintaining lung function.
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The impact of ambient wood smoke and traffic-related air pollution on adult asthma has not been well studied. This paper aims to investigate associations between exposure to ambient wood smoke, traffic-related air pollution and current asthma/asthma severity in middle age, and whether any associations are modified by atopic status. ⋯ In middle-aged adults, ambient wood smoke and traffic pollution were associated with increased asthma severity. These findings suggest that avoiding or limiting exposure to traffic pollution and wood smoke may help to reduce asthma. Future studies to replicate this finding are recommended and should examine specific biological mechanisms for this effect.
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The benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are now firmly established. However, less is known about the provision and efficacy of PR immediately after an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study aimed to explore the effectiveness of a short outpatient PR programme and the impact upon readmission rates. ⋯ A short course of PR showed improvements in exercise capacity and health status in patients who have had an acute exacerbation of COPD. The number of readmissions was also significantly lower in the year following PR.