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Editor: C. Calvin Warriner
Profession: Cigarette & Tobacco Attorney

Category: COPD

Smoking causes COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. Patients who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, a debilitating lung disease that kills more than 122,000 Americans each year, now have new hope. A monumental COPD drug trial involving two common medications is the first treatment proven to prolong life for COPD patients.

According to an article on Forbes.com, the results of this monumental trial were announced on Monday, October 23 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the American College of Chest Physicians annual meeting.

The American Lung Association reports more than 122,000 American deaths each year from COPD, most as a result of smoking. A progressive respiratory illness, COPD has become the number four killer in the United States.

The drug trial involved the combination of an inhaled corticosteroid called fluticasone propionate (Flovent/Flonase) with a bronchodilator called salmeterol (Advair) to treat COPD. Researchers say that this magical combination actually pushes back the disease and improves patient survival.

The Forbes.com article offers a quote from a field expert, citing the significance of this discovery:

"This is one of the most important trials that's ever been done in this field. The study clearly showed a benefit, and I think our practice will follow the information from this clinical trial," said one expert, Dr. Ron Grossman, professor of medicine at the University of Toronto.

If you've been diagnosed with lung cancer as a result of smoking, and would like to discuss litigation with a tobacco attorney, contact a tobacco litigation specialist using the form at right.