Louis A. Cona. M.D.
Jan 17, 2020
Reading time: 3 minutes 35 seconds
Learn more about how stem cell therapy may be able to help Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Chronic Bronchitis & Bronchial Asthma.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease) can describe a group of lung conditions (diseases) that may inhibit the body's ability to remove air from the lungs. COPD can lead to symptoms such as; fatigue and shortness of breath (breathlessness). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease) can be used to describe a person with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or a combination of the two.
The primary cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease) is tobacco smoke, either active smoking or secondhand smoke. Inhaling smoke or other airborne irritants or pollutants can increase mucus production in one's bronchial tubes (bronchi), this can cause inflammation in the form of thickening bronchi walls. Symptoms of increased mucus production in the bronchial tubes include; frequently coughing, resulting in raising mucus (phlegm). COPD can develop over long periods or a short period when pollutants are inhaled in excess.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease) may also be caused by other environmental factors such as; exposure to dust, air pollution, and airborne chemicals.
As stated by the American Lung Association;
"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes both chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Most individuals with COPD have a little bit of both but have a predominance of one or the other. Your doctor will ask questions about your family history with respiratory illnesses, your symptoms, and the medicines you use, and ask questions about your lifestyle. He or she will conduct a physical exam and order some laboratory tests to diagnose and assess the severity of your COPD.
In 2008, 13.1 million US adults (ages 18 and over) were estimated to have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease). However, close to 24 million US adults have evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under-diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD or Lung Disease).
In 2008, an estimated 9.8 million Americans reported a physician diagnosis of chronic bronchitis, the inflammation, and eventual scarring of the lining of the bronchial tubes. Chronic bronchitis affects people of all ages, although people age 65 and older have the highest rate at 56.3 per 1,000 population."
As of today, there has been no proven cure for COPD; however modern advances in stem cell therapies have yielded promising results.
Stem cells have the unique ability to change into any cell in the body, called differentiation. They can be administered intravenously and find damaged tissues around organs. When used in regards to COPD patients, stem cells can repair damaged lung tissue to combat emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Stem cells have natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can clear airways for those with chronic bronchitis.
Completed studies have shown the ability to quantify the effects of stem cell therapy. According to a report done by the Lung Institute called Autologous Stem Cell Therapy and its Effects on COPD, over 82% of patients that attempted stem cell treatment had noticeable improvements in their quality of life after their therapies. Many of these patients reported increased lung capacity and the ability to walk following transfusion. These reports have positioned stem cells as one of the best viable options for current patients with COPD. While stem cell treatment has not shown the ability to cure COPD, its ability to repair damaged tissue and relatively invasive nature makes it an attractive alternative to patients. This path becomes even more desirable when considering the current treatment protocols requiring the use of ventilators or even total lung transplants, which are rare and extremely expensive.
The best option for COPD patients is to find patient-funded clinical trials for COPD or chronic inflammation. Stem cell therapy for COPD can cost anywhere from $10000 - $35,000 depending on the nature of the treatment and the clinic. When researching stem cell clinics for COPD, it is essential to ask how many cells are included in the treatment protocol and what type of cells the patient will be receiving. Studies have shown that expanded cord tissue-derived mesenchymal cells have incredibly high anti-inflammatory properties and tissue regeneration capabilities. When delivered, intravenously MScs (mesenchymal stem cells) will travel to the lungs (or any area of inflammation) and combat the issue. Currently, Medicare does not cover the cost of stem cell therapy for COPD.
DVC Stem is a stem cell therapy pioneer, offering stem cell therapies for years and has become a cornerstone of the medical tourism industry. Located in the tropical paradise of Grand Cayman in the Western Caribbean, we offer patients a nearby alternative to traveling long distances and to less ideal locations. Our protocols are IRB approved, and our cells come from regulated, US-based, FDA compliant laboratories. We seek to offer the highest quality products, the latest available treatments for a variety of conditions, all combined with a world-class setting and service. We administer over 300 million cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells via IV, our treatments are minimally invasive, and we offer interest-free financing for US residents.
About the author
Dr. Cona has been performing stem cell therapy for over 10 years. He is a member of the World Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (WAAAM). He is also a recognized member of the British Medical Association, the General Medical Council (UK), the Caribbean College of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He is the Medical Director for DVC Stem a world-renowned stem cell therapy clinic located in Grand Cayman.
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