LASIK Surgery Health Chat: Tuesday, December 15th 5:00-6:00 PM Eastern. Free live Q&A with Dr. Omar E Awad. Ask your question in advance!
Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Hope for COPD?
Answered by
This forum is for questions and support regarding lung and respiratory issues such as: Allergies, Asthma, Bronchitis, Colds - Flu, Chronic Cough, COPD, Cystic Fibrosis, Emphysema, Fibrosis, Lung Abscess, Nasal Polyps, Pleurisy, Pneumonia, Sarcoidosis, Sinusitis, Tuberculosis.
Hope for COPD?
by meehansf, Apr 19, 2003 12:00AM
I have emphysema. Apparently there are two possible answers, retinoid acid and stem cells. The former is the subject of a national study which has been going on for several years and is now drawing to a close. (1) Although the official results of the retinoid acid study aren't expected for several years, surely by now there must be confirmation of feasibility? If no study patients had regrown any lung cells, the study would have been cancelled? (2) Are there any organizations pursuing stem cell trials or research?
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Apr 23, 2003 12:00AM
, Apr 23, 2003 12:00AM
We all wish there was a definitive answer on how to grow new lungs, but unfortunately there is not one. We certainly appreciate your frustration.
To our knowledge, there is no confirmation in people that retinoic acid can grow new lungs. As you note the study results will not be available for some time.
There has been no work in humans with stem cell therapy for those with emphysema.
To our knowledge, there is no confirmation in people that retinoic acid can grow new lungs. As you note the study results will not be available for some time.
There has been no work in humans with stem cell therapy for those with emphysema.
There are some medications being studied to help us breathe better, but I haven't yet read anything about things that help repair or replace our damaged aveoli or other lung tissue. Spiriva has been approved in many countries and has an application pending with the FDA. It has helped some COPD patients breathe better, sort of like the "big brother" to Atrovent.
Aloha,
Starion