Exploring COPD: A Personal Journey Towards Finding Solutions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has long been associated with smoking, yet its impacts extend far beyond this single cause, affecting individuals from various backgrounds. Factors such as air pollution and dust exposure also contribute to this debilitating disease. Alarmingly, despite a reduction in the number of patients diagnosed with COPD over the past decade, the death toll remains strikingly similar, indicating a pressing need for advancements in treatment and understanding of this condition, as there is still no cure available today. Professor Gunilla Westergren-Thorsson from Lund University is at the forefront of innovative research into COPD. With a personal connection to her field of study—her father suffered from the disease—she explores aspects of COPD that range from molecular biology to patient recovery through exercise. Her father, a former smoker and physically active dockworker, battled COPD for many years and experienced varying degrees of quality of life throughout that time. "He lived a fairly good life despite his challenges, only finding his condition particularly severe in his later years," says Gunilla. This experience fueled her curiosity about the divergent experiences of COPD patients—why some are severely impacted by the disease while others maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle. Research has shown that all COPD patients experience destruction in parts of their lungs, with varying levels of health in different areas. Gunilla's team focuses on the intermediate states of lung tissue and investigates the potential for COPD patients to self-repair through exercise. "We are conducting a clinical study on how COPD patients responded to moderate-intensity training, and the preliminary results are promising," she explains. Many participants report improved well-being, happiness, and positivity, which Gunilla finds encouraging. COPD causes significant anxiety and discomfort due to difficulties in breathing. However, alongside exercise, Gunilla's research is also exploring the development of medications aimed at rebuilding lung function, rather than merely alleviating symptoms. Supported by a remarkable research grant of 15 million kronor from the Heart-Lung Foundation in 2021, her laboratory has been working towards creating a medication that could enable future patients to rebuild lung tissue. "It looks very promising so far, and we are optimistic that our lab results might soon translate into practical solutions for those affected by COPD," she emphasizes. When asked what her father would think of her research endeavors, she reflects, "He would have been very supportive and would have loved to get involved himself." Despite the significant backing from the Heart-Lung Foundation, Gunilla emphasizes the need for continued funding to sustain her research past the grant's conclusion in late 2024. "I could never have conducted my research without the Heart-Lung Foundation's support. Their grants are vital for progressing research and ultimately improving the lives of COPD patients," she states. Continued contributions towards this research are critical in unlocking new potential therapies and offering hope to many who live with COPD. If you are interested in supporting this vital work, donations can be made here. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2