"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" (COPD) is a term for lung and airway diseases that restrict your breathing. People with COPD have airway inflammation and scarring, damage to the air sacs in their lungs or both. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are both forms of COPD. 

COPD encompasses a group of lung diseases characterized by airflow blockage and breathing-related challenges. Prolonged exposure to irritants that harm your lungs and airways typically causes COPDs. Smoking is a leading factor contributing to conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis, two prevalent forms of COPD.

Structural damage and persistent inflammation play key roles in the airway obstruction seen in COPD. With time, inhaled irritants can damage the components of the respiratory system and induce inflammation and narrowing of the airways.

Regrettably, COPD remains without a cure. However, there is hope in the form of mesenchymal stem cells, which have the potential to address the dual factors contributing to the disease.

What are the symptoms of COPD ?

Symptoms of COPD include:

• Cough with mucus that you've had for a long time (for three months or longer at a time for at least two years).
• Difficulty taking a deep breath.
• Shortness of breath, especially when performing daily activities or with mild exertion.
• Wheezing or other lung sounds.
• Barrel-shaped chest.
• Bluish skin (cyanosis).

The Promise of Stem Cells for COPD

Stem cells are versatile, unspecialized cells capable of becoming any cell type within the body through a process called 'differentiation.' When introduced into a patient's body, these remarkable cells migrate to areas of damaged or deceased tissue, orchestrating repair and regeneration. When administered to COPD patients, MSCs have the potential to repair and regenerate damaged lung tissue. Additionally, MSCs possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the inflammation exacerbating COPD.

A recent study revealed that more than 80% of patients who underwent stem cell treatment reported significant improvements in their quality of life. Many patients experienced increased lung capacity and even regained the ability to walk following treatment. While stem cell treatment may not provide a 'cure' for COPD, it offers a non-invasive approach to repair damaged tissue. This becomes especially appealing when compared to current treatment protocols that may involve ventilators or the rare and highly expensive option of total lung transplants.

Protocol

Intravenous transplantation of cord tissue-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. This minimally invasive procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and boasts minimal downtime. Most patients can return home just two days after their scheduled appointment.