stevefsh,

Thanks for your question which makes an interesting point.  The fact of the matter is that the majority (80%) of patients with COPD are smokers (or former smokers) without another evident cause.  Second hand smoke has only recently become a publicly recognized cause of lung disease.  And environmental causes of COPD, though recognized by industry and the health profession, only gain public attention when the media decides its in the public interest (and the media's interest).  An example is people working in microwave popcorn factories developed chronic lung disease from exposure to an incredient in the popcorn.  The formulas have recently been changed after a major media blitz about a consumer that inhaled freshly made popcorn 2 - 4 times a day, who also developed chronic lung disease.

Another reason the emphasis has been on tobacco, is the ongoing effort to get people to quit smoking.  Though it might seem like non-tobacco causes are being ignored, the larger target is tobacco.  It would be more difficult to list the many other causes contained within that 20% of COPD patients who obtained their disease from non-tobacco sources.  The remedy for smokers is simple - stop.  Of course this is not a simple answer and a whole market has developed to assist people in this endeavor.  In the case of non-tobacco causes, the answer is not so simple - quit your job?  Have your employer develop safer environments?  These are not easy solutions.

Concerning your question about Nutren.  This is a high calorie food substance that contain several nutrients added.  It can be used in patients on a long term basis who are receiving all of their nutrition through tube feeding.  It is helpful in pulmonary patients who sometimes have to restrict their fluid intake, yet get the sufficient calories and nutrients.  As a supplement, it can be helpful in patients who consume insufficient calories daily, and/or patients who need to restrict fluids.  Whether you will benefit from the use of Nutren is a question that your physician can help with.  So, the next time you see him/her, be sure to ask for their input on how appropriate it would be in your situation.

Please view all areas of this website, especially those concerning the causes of COPD, what causes the symptoms, and treatments.  I hope this information has been helpful.

Martin Cane, M.D.