Revue des maladies respiratoires
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Bronchial thermoplasty is a recent endoscopic technique for the treatment of severe asthma. It is an innovative treatment whose clinical efficacy and safety are beginning to be better understood. ⋯ This technique is in harmony with the development of personalised medicine in the 21st century. It should be developed further in response to the numerous challenges and needs not yet met in the management of severe asthma.
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This study evaluated a standardized procedure aiming at early detection of COPD in a consecutive population of employees visiting occupational medicine. ⋯ The strategy used in this study (specific questionnaire plus spirometry) allowed detection of a few cases of previously undiagnosed COPD. Occupational physicians need specific training in spirometry and a better follow-up of care pathways is required to obtain diagnostic confirmation.
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One out of two smokers who smoke throughout their lifetime will die from a disease related to smoking. Tobacco smoking therefore represents a major global public health issue. Smoking is the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). ⋯ The combination of high intensity behavioral interventions and medication treatments (nicotine replacement therapy, varenicline, bupropion) is the most effective strategy for smokers with COPD. In contrast, behavioral interventions without medication are not more effective than simple advice to stop. Two factors seem to predict the success of the attempt to quit in smokers with COPD: a strong motivation to quit and the use of smoking cessation medications.