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Media release Tobacco
culprit in chronic airway blockage
New study points to effect on over-production of mucus
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16 January 2002 |
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New
research has pointed to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or
"emphysema")
as a major public health care challenge over the next decade – and
tobacco is a key factor in the life-threatening disease. Both
in Australia and internationally, COPD is the only major cause of
death and disability that is increasing. It’s estimated to affect
about 5% of older Australians. The
study, by Kerstjens et
al in the British
Medical Journal,
predicts that “rising rates of smoking in developing
countries and the impact of women ‘catching up’ with men’s
smoking habits will further affect the development of COPD.”
http://bmj.com/cgi/content/full/323/7325/1349 Meanwhile,
new Italian research explains
tobacco’s contribution to the disease - suggesting
smoking is “the major determinant” in over-supply of goblet cells
in the surface of peripheral airways. These cells can over-produce
mucus, causing airway obstruction and contributing to the development
of COPD. The
Italian study found that goblet cell over-production was present in
smokers whether or not they were already suffering from COPD –
suggesting that smoking itself was the major cause in over-supply of
mucus from these cells. Says
Dr Matthew Peters, Thoracic Physician and Chairman of ASH Australia:
“This research goes a long way to explain one mechanism by
which smoking causes obstruction in our breathing passages”. “Smokers may not realise that the amount
of phlegm they’re coughing up is neither normal nor trivial,” says
Dr Peters. “It’s caused by their smoking - which triggers an
over-production of phlegm, slowly choking off air supply to the lungs
and the rest of the body.” “The
more you smoke, the more your airways get clogged up by phlegm –
eventually making breathing difficult. If
ignored, this may persist long after you’ve stopped smoking. “Coughing
up phlegm or swallowing it should be taken seriously by smokers as a
warning sign to quit now.” Comment: Dr
Matthew Peters, Chairman, ASH Australia on (02) 9767.6208
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Page last updated on 16/01/2002 |
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