Photobiomodulation in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Randomized Clinical Trial

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is among the most common chronic respiratory diseases (CKD). Millions of people of all ages suffer from these diseases. COPD is between the fifth and sixth of the leading causes of death in Brazil. It generates an inflammatory pulmonary response that is softened by non-curative treatments and that present serious side effects. Low intensity laser (LBI) or laser therapy has been used for about 50 years to help the healing process, revealing efficient anti-inflammatory and analgesic responses, as well as experimental models of acute and chronic inflammation. However, little is known about its response in inflammatory lung diseases, especially COPD. Some reports indicate that laser therapy may interfere positively by relieving clinical signs, the onset, and the final symptoms of pulmonary inflammation. The present project aims to study the effects of LBI on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in patients with pulmonary processes, determine their mechanisms of action and evaluate its effect on patients' functional capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals of both sexes;
• Over 18 years of age;
• With a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) for at least 2 years according to the criteria of the clinically stable Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD), free of disease exacerbation in the last 30 days;
• Performing routine outpatient treatment with a pulmonologist;
• Agreement to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with other comorbidities, such as: Acute Lung Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Liver Failure, Pulmonary Thromboembolism, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Neoplasms, HIV Positive, Immunodeficiency, Blood Disorders, Septicemia or recent major surgery.
• Patients with cystic fibrosis and Kartagner's syndrome.