Anel AG will be participating at the ERS congress in Milano from september 10th to 12th, 2023. We will be showing our resi OPEP device there. resi OPEP is our mucus clearance device, which works with oscillating positive expiratory pressure (OPEP device).
We are looking to see you there.
Note from ERS: ERS declines all responsibility with respect to the information published in this document.
Accumulation of Mucus Plugs in COPD Linked to Increased Risk of Premature Death, Study Finds
ExpiredA review supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) found that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who accumulate extra mucus in their airways, known as mucus plugs, have a higher risk of premature death. The study analyzed data from 4,363 adults with COPD, aged 45-80, who were smokers. It revealed that 59% had no detectable mucus plugs, 22% had plugs in at least one airway, and 19% had plugs in at least three airways. Over the course of nearly 10 years, 41% of participants died, with higher mortality rates observed among those with mucus plugs. After adjusting for other factors, researchers concluded that the presence of mucus plugs in the airways increases the likelihood of premature death. These findings could potentially guide the development of targeted treatments aimed at breaking up and clearing mucus in individuals with COPD.
Source: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/news/2023/extra-mucus-accumulation-copd-linked-increased-risk-death
More information on our mucus clearance device: klick here
Inspiratory muscle training reduces diaphragm activation and dyspnea during exercise in COPD
ExpiredAbstract
Among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), those with the lowest maximal inspiratory pressures experience greater breathing discomfort (dyspnea) during exercise. In such individuals, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may be associated with improvement of dyspnea, but the mechanisms for this are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to identify physiological mechanisms of improvement in dyspnea and exercise endurance following inspiratory muscle training (IMT) in patients with COPD and low maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax). The effects of 8 wk of controlled IMT on respiratory muscle function, dyspnea, respiratory mechanics, and diaphragm electromyography (EMGdi) during constant work rate cycle exercise were evaluated in patients with activity-related dyspnea (baseline dyspnea index <9). Subjects were randomized to either IMT or a sham training control group ( n = 10 each). Twenty subjects (FEV1 = 47 ± 19% predicted; Pimax = -59 ± 14 cmH2O; cycle ergometer peak work rate = 47 ± 21% predicted) completed the study; groups had comparable baseline lung function, respiratory muscle strength, activity-related dyspnea, and exercise capacity. IMT, compared with control, was associated with greater increases in inspiratory muscle strength and endurance, with attendant improvements in exertional dyspnea and exercise endurance time (all P < 0.05). After IMT, EMGdi expressed relative to its maximum (EMGdi/EMGdimax) decreased ( P < 0.05) with no significant change in ventilation, tidal inspiratory pressures, breathing pattern, or operating lung volumes during exercise. In conclusion, IMT improved inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in mechanically compromised patients with COPD and low Pimax. The attendant reduction in EMGdi/EMGdimax helped explain the decrease in perceived respiratory discomfort despite sustained high ventilation and intrinsic mechanical loading over a longer exercise duration. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In patients with COPD and low maximal inspiratory pressures, inspiratory muscle training (IMT) may be associated with improvement of dyspnea, but the mechanisms for this are poorly understood. This study showed that 8 wk of home-based, partially supervised IMT improved respiratory muscle strength and endurance, dyspnea, and exercise endurance. Dyspnea relief occurred in conjunction with a reduced activation of the diaphragm relative to maximum in the absence of significant changes in ventilation, breathing pattern, and operating lung volumes.
Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; diaphragm; dyspnea; electromyogram; exercise; inspiratory muscle strength; respiratory mechanics.
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29543134/
Abstract
Background Unilateral diaphragm dysfunction (UDD) is an underdiagnosed cause of dyspnoea. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) is the only conservative treatment for UDD, but the mechanisms of improvement are unknown. We characterised the effects of IMT on dyspnoea, exercise tolerance and respiratory muscle function in people with UDD.
Methods 15 people with UDD (73% male, 61±8 years) were randomised to 6 months of IMT (50% maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PI,max), n=10) or sham training (10% PI,max, n=5) (30 breaths twice per day). UDD was confirmed by phrenic nerve stimulation and persisted throughout the training period. Symptoms were assessed by the transitional dyspnoea index (TDI) and exercise tolerance by constant-load cycle tests performed pre- and post-training. Oesophageal (Pes) and gastric (Pga) pressures were measured with a dual-balloon catheter. Electromyography (EMG) and oxygenation (near-infrared spectroscopy) of respiratory muscles were assessed continuously during exercise.
Results The IMT group (from 45±6 to 62±23% PI,max) and sham group (no progression) completed 92 and 86% of prescribed sessions, respectively. PI,max, TDI scores and cycle endurance time improved significantly more after IMT versus sham (mean between-group differences: 28 (95% CI 13–28) cmH2O, 3.0 (95% CI 0.9–5.1) points and 6.0 (95% CI 0.4–11.5) min, respectively). During exercise at iso-time, Pes, Pga and EMG of the scalene muscles were reduced and the oxygen saturation indices of the scalene and abdominal muscles were higher post- versus pre-training only in the IMT group (all p<0.05).
Conclusion The effects of IMT on dyspnoea and exercise tolerance in UDD were not mediated by an improvement in isolated diaphragm function, but may reflect improvements in strength, coordination and/or oxygenation of the extra-diaphragmatic respiratory muscles.
source: https://openres.ersjournals.com/content/9/5/00300-2023
Abstract
Background: Adherence to airway clearance therapy (ACT) in pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) patients is reported to be below 50% and inability to sustain daily care is linked to poor health outcomes7,8,9. Through a collaboration between a CF care center and several schools, we hypothesized that ACT completed at school by pediatric CF patients will improve lung function while decreasing pulmonary exacerbations (PEx), days of antibiotics (abx) and hospitalizations.
Methods: This was a retrospective case-control study at a single CF care center consisting of 50 CF patients age < 18 at time when data was recorded (2012-2020). The case group used high-frequency chest wall oscillation or positive expiratory pressure devices at school for at least 1 year after self-reported or physician identified inadequate use at home. Lung function and measures of healthcare utilization were collected.
Results: In the case group (n = 14), paired t-tests showed that after initiation of ACT at school, there were significant reductions in PEx requiring IV or PO abx (P = 0.010), total days of abx (P = 0.032), and visits to the CF care center (P = 0.037). There was no change in these outcomes in the matched control group (n = 36).
Conclusions: This is the first known study to highlight an initiative between a CF care center and schools which utilized airway clearance devices at school to ensure pediatric CF patients completed ACT. Through increased adherence, this relationship was associated with improved health outcomes. Use of alternative strategies may help patients with CF sustain adequate airway clearance.
Keywords: Adherence; Airway clearance therapy (ACT); Cystic fibrosis (CF); High-frequency chest wall oscillation (HFCWO).
Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36702656/
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- Oscillatory positive expiratory pressure treatment in lower respiratory tract infection
- The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Training on the Pulmonary Function, Lung Ventilation, and Endurance Performance of Young Soccer Players