As one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, the number of patients with COPD in China has approached 100 million. In addition to well-known risk factors such as smoking and air pollution, recent studies have shown that the gut microbiota may play a key role in the development of COPD.
To shed light on this topic, we invited Professor Dai Wenxin, Director of the Geriatrics Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Center and an expert in gut microbiota therapy at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, to provide his insights.
The Hidden Connection Between COPD and Gut Microbiota
COPD is a common chronic respiratory disease among middle-aged and elderly individuals, primarily characterized by airflow limitation. Professor Dai Wenxin points out that COPD patients have a higher likelihood of developing inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal symptoms. Inflammatory bowel disease is also considered one of the risk factors for COPD and asthma.
This connection exists because the gut microbiota not only participates in the digestion process but also plays a crucial role in immune regulation. When the microbial balance is disrupted, it may trigger various health problems.
Research indicates that harmful gases and particles from smoking and air pollution reduce the diversity of gut bacteria and alter the structure of the microbiota, thereby affecting both gut and lung health.
The “Lung-Gut Axis”: A Health Bridge Connecting the Gut and the Lungs
Although the gut and the lungs may seem unrelated at first glance, they are in fact closely linked through the “lung-gut axis.”
Professor Dai Wenxin explains that since embryonic development, the gut and the lungs share similar origins and are intricately connected functionally. The metabolites and signaling molecules produced by the gut microbiota can travel through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to the lungs, thereby influencing lung health.
Studies have also found that the gut microbiota in COPD patients is often imbalanced—with a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in harmful ones. This imbalance not only affects gut health but also transmits through the “gut-lung axis,” worsening the condition of COPD.
New Prevention and Treatment Strategies Starting from the Gut
COPD patients pay particular attention to their lung function. Professor Dai Wenxin notes that current research has discovered that short-chain fatty acids—metabolites produced by the gut microbiota—can protect lung function by regulating immune homeostasis, enhancing intestinal barrier function, and inhibiting pathogen translocation.
Improving Dietary Habits: A high-fiber diet is an effective way to improve the structure and function of the gut microbiota. Increasing fiber intake not only helps prevent COPD but also slows its progression. Ensuring a daily intake of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits—foods rich in fiber—can significantly reduce the risk of developing COPD.
FMT (Fecal Microbiota Transplantation): As a novel health intervention, FMT has also been applied in the treatment of COPD. By transplanting the gut microbiota of healthy individuals into patients, it is possible to restore the balance of the intestinal microecosystem. Research has confirmed that FMT not only increases the number of beneficial bacteria but also improves the clinical symptoms and lung function of COPD patients.
Professor Dai Wenxin emphasizes that the harmonious interplay between the gut and the lungs reveals the complex interconnections within the human body. In this delicate human ecosystem, even the slightest change can trigger a chain reaction.
Therefore, focusing on the gut microbiota is not only about smooth digestion but also a vital pathway for maintaining overall health and preventing or treating various diseases.
Expert Introduction
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Editor | Huang Fei