Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition with a significant impact on patients’ daily lives. Megan Dulohery Scrodin, M.D., a pulmonologist at Mayo Clinic, explains, “COPD is primarily caused by tobacco use, but it can also arise from genetic factors, environmental pollution, and other influences.” It affects both the airways and lung tissue, causing debilitating symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Because each patient’s COPD journey is unique, personalized treatment approaches are essential.
The Importance of Comprehensive Evaluations
The first step in properly managing COPD is a comprehensive evaluation of airway obstruction and the degree of emphysema present in each patient. Evaluations often involve assessing comorbid conditions, which helps determine the most effective treatment strategy. For example, cardiac evaluations with echocardiograms may be necessary to screen for secondary pulmonary hypertension or underlying coronary artery disease. Recognizing this can significantly inform treatment decisions and enhance outcomes.
Innovative Procedural Approaches
COPD can cause the lungs to become larger than normal, or hyperinflated, putting pressure on the respiratory muscles and causing shortness of breath. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to find the most effective approach to improve hyperinflation. This may include bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR), a minimally invasive procedure resulting in fewer side effects and a shorter hospital stay compared to surgical lung volume reduction.
With BLVR, an interventional pulmonologist places one-way valves in the airway to selectively collapse diseased areas of lung tissue, which can reduce hyperinflation and improve respiratory muscle support. Afterward, patients typically experience less shortness of breath and a better quality of life. Mayo Clinic performs over 70 lung transplants every year, an option that may be considered for certain patients.
Making the Latest Therapies Accessible
Beyond these innovative procedures, the availability of more treatment options is opening up more possibilities. At Mayo Clinic, patients have access to virtually every test and therapy for the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. Dr. Dulohery Scrodin is particularly excited about the recent approval of Ohtuvayre, a nebulized treatment that can provide immediate relief from shortness of breath. Additionally, Dupixent recently became the first biologic therapy, or treatment derived from a living organism, to be approved for COPD. It targets specific inflammatory pathways in patients with elevated eosinophil levels.
Mayo Clinic is deeply committed to advancing COPD care through clinical research. With numerous clinical trials underway, patients have access to innovative therapies that may not be available anywhere else.
The Future of COPD Management
Today, patients with COPD have access to new technology and procedures that weren’t possible until now. With ongoing treatment advancements and a commitment to furthering research, patients at Mayo Clinic can expect comprehensive support and access to the latest therapies moving forward. As Dr. Dulohery Scrodin puts it, “When patients come to us, they seek hope—anything that can improve their lives.” Through continuous innovation and a patient-centered approach, there is optimism for a brighter future for those with COPD.
Schedule an appointment with a specialist by calling 507-718-5624.
