Research Article: Clinical and Functional Effects of Inhaled Dual Therapy Umeclidinium/Vilanterol in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Real-Life Study
Abstract:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder usually characterized by the persistence and poor reversibility of airflow limitation, resulting from a pathological inflammatory response of the airways and lung parenchyma to the inhalation of cigarette smoke and/or other atmospheric pollutants. COPD is very frequent, affecting % of people over the age of years, and currently represents the third leading cause of death worldwide.– In particular, COPD is a heterogeneous syndrome including several phenotypes such as chronic obstructive bronchitis, small airway disease with peribronchiolar fibrosis and pulmonary emphysema, the latter being featured by lung hyperinflation and destruction of alveolar walls. Pulmonary emphysema is often associated with the inflammatory changes shaping chronic bronchitis and small airway disease. , On the other hand, limitation of the expiratory flow compromises the emptying of intrapulmonary air, thus leading to air trapping at the alveolar level with consequent lung hyperinflation. This pathophysiological factor is the main cause of COPD symptoms, such as dyspnea and decreased exercise tolerance. Furthermore, the destruction of interalveolar septa that characterizes emphysema also leads to amputation of the pulmonary capillary bed, with a consequent reduction of gas exchange surface and alveolar-capillary diffusion.
Introduction:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder usually characterized by the persistence and poor reversibility of airflow limitation, resulting from a pathological inflammatory response of the airways and lung parenchyma to the inhalation of cigarette smoke and/or other atmospheric pollutants. COPD is very frequent, affecting % of people over the age of years, and currently represents the third leading cause of death worldwide. – In particular, COPD is a heterogeneous syndrome including…
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