Bel Marra Health Weighs in on Study Showing New Way to Predict COPD Progression

bel_marra_logoToronto, Canada, May 20, 2016 – Bel Marra Health (www.BelMarraHealth.com), a company that offers high-quality, specially formulated vitamins and nutritional products, is weighing in on a study showing a new way to predict COPD progression.

According to a recent study, a process initiated in neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, may actually worsen patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The formation, called “neutrophil extracellular trap,” or NET, forms in the lungs of COPD patients, making it difficult for the lungs to destroy bacteria. (Source: “New Way to Predict COPD Progression; New Treatment May Be on the Horizon,” American Thoracic Society web site, May 15, 2016; http://www.thoracic.org/about/newsroom/press-releases/conference/2016/resources/10173-nets-and-copd.pdf.)

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“Scientists and the medical community have struggled to understand why neutrophils weren’t successful in treating infections for COPD patients,” says Dr. Victor Marchione, spokesperson for Bel Marra Health. “This study sheds some insight into what was a mystery for a long time.”

The direct link in NET complexity to the progress of COPD in patients was found following the examination of 141 stable COPD patients. Their blood and sputum (a mix of mucus and saliva from the respiratory tract) were collected during various phases and examined over the course of the trial.

“This study directly impacts the quality of life of COPD patients,” Dr. Marchione explains. “Patients could expect more chest infections and this could negatively affect the level at which their lungs function.”

A team of researchers presented the study at the 2016 ATS International Conference. They believe these results will make it easier to identify those patients at higher risk of exacerbating COPD.

“The goal is always finding ways to help patients through preventative measures or by treating the symptoms,” Dr. Marchione concludes. “This study is a step in finding a more effective way to treat COPD patients.”

Bel Marra Health has an expert panel of doctors who lend their expertise on natural health news, health methods, and health trends. Learn more about Bel Marra Health by visiting the web site at www.BelMarraHealth.com.

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