Regularly using aspirin may slow the progression of early emphysema, according to research presented at the 2015 American Thoracic Society International Conference in Denver. The study included 4,471 individuals aged, on average, 61 years.

Of these, 21 per cent took aspirin regularly and 55 per cent were ever-smokers. Emphysema was assessed on up to four computed tomography scans over approximately 10 years. Researchers performed spirometry in 81 per cent of the patients, 25 per cent of whom showed airflow obstruction.

Regular aspirin use was associated with significantly slower progression of emphysema (0.36 per cent over 10 years), compared to non-users, after adjusting for confounders including age, sex, race, smoking and hypertension. Similar reductions in emphysema progression were seen among ever-smokers (0.37 per cent over 10 years). Aspirin’s benefit was more marked in those with airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC below 0.7; 0.93 per cent over 10 years).

“Other than smoking cessation and avoidance, there are no known methods for reducing the risk of developing emphysema,” says lead author Carrie Aaron of Columbia University medical center in New York. “Our study found that those taking aspirin regularly had a slower progression of emphysema over 10 years compared to those who did not, and that this difference was not explained by many factors that we believe affect progression of emphysema.

“The findings might suggest that regular aspirin use may slow the progression of sub-clinical emphysema, perhaps through effects on platelet activation or inflammation.”