Researchers in Finland have identified the first potential "biomarker" that could be used in development of a sputum test for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that causes severe difficulty in breathing - most often in cigarette smokers.
Vuokko L. Kinnula and colleagues point out that until now, no disease marker for COPD currently exists, despite extensive efforts by scientists to find one.
Acute Bronchitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention
Acute bronchitis is a short term inflammation of the bronchi of lungs. It is usually caused by a virus.
Acute bronchitis is a short term inflammation of the bronchi of lungs. It is usually caused by a virus.
The researchers compared levels of a variety of proteins obtained from the lung tissues of healthy individuals, patients with COPD, and those with pulmonary fibrosis.
They found that the lungs of COPD patients contained elevated levels of SP-A.
Respiratory Diseases - Diseases of the Human Respiratory System
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
Respiratory diseases affect any part of the respiratory system. Some of the lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can lead to respiratory failure.
"This suggests that SP-A might represent a helpful biomarker in the early detection of COPD and other related disorders," the authors stated.
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Asthma Management
Metered Dose Inhalers(MDI), which delivers medictions directly to the lungs, can be most effectively used in the treatment of asthma.
Metered Dose Inhalers(MDI), which delivers medictions directly to the lungs, can be most effectively used in the treatment of asthma.
Source-ANI
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The Lungs
The lungs are our organs of respiration. It is within these, that exchange of gases takes place.
The lungs are our organs of respiration. It is within these, that exchange of gases takes place.
