Systemic inflammation in ex-smokers

A new research article reveals that 54% of ex-smoking COPD patients involved in a Chile based COPD study still exhibited signs of systemic inflammation despite their commitment to permanent smoking cessation.

These results echo the findings of another research study we wrote about last month that found airway inflammation persists for an extended period of time in ex-smoking COPD patients. Click here to read that article.

The new study examined 104 ex-smokers with mild to very severe COPD and 52 healthy non-smoking adults to see if there were differences in the blood serum levels of know inflammation markers. In particular, the research team evaluated counts of certain proteins and white blood cells that are typically found in large numbers in the presence of systemic inflammation (C-Reactive protein, Interleukin-6, fibrinogen, neutrophils).

The research investigators found notably higher counts of two of these inflammation markers among 54% of the COPD patients participating in the study (C-Reactive protein and interleukin-6). The counts of these two proteins were high enough for the researchers to conclude systemic inflammation still existed for 56 of the 104 ex-smoking COPD patients. (Morales SA, et al. Systemic inflammation among stable ex smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Rev Med Chil. 2010 Aug;138(8):957-64. Epub 2010 Nov 26).

Why is inflammation such a big deal for smokers and COPD patients? In short, prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke alters the functioning of lung cells by disrupting the lungs normal response to the presence of bacteria and fungi. This disruption causes the body to produce massive amounts of fluid containing proteins and white blood cells seeking to counteract the presence of bacteria and fungi. The fluid build-up causes lung tissues to swell and harden, thus narrowing airways and resulting in persistent shortness of breath. For a more detailed description of inflammation and steps you can take to reduce inflammation, read our War of the Worlds In Your Lungs.

For many years, pulmonology researchers hypothesized that permanent smoking cessation would lead to a pronounced decline in airway inflammation. While that may be in the case for some smokers, it does not seem to be true in a majority of patients who’ve already been diagnosed with COPD.

In the interim, researchers and practitioners have focused the majority of their attention on corticosteroids, bronchodilator delivered prescription medication, and antibiotics as the main weapons to fight inflammation. While all three of these pharmaceutical solutions do offer relief for shortness of breath/inflammation related symptoms, the vast majority are short-acting in nature. In other words, they are band-aids for short-term relief. They offer no long-term cures for inflammation. Several exotic combinations of bronchodilating medications have shown increased promise for longer-term inflammation relief but their potential side effects concern some respiratory care professionals.

Therefore, COPD patients, current smokers and ex-smokers are wise to consider additional avenues to help combat inflammation. These other avenues include exercise, dietary changes, antioxidant supplementation and increased exposure to direct sunlight. To learn more about these inflammation fighting actions you can employ, read our 5 Steps to Feel Better NOW Plan.