Effects of N-acetylcysteine on outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (BRONCUS trial)

Researchers gave 523 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term condition that makes breathing difficult, either 600 milligrams of N-acetylcysteine daily or a dummy pill for three years. They measured how quickly lung function fell and how often breathing flare-ups happened. Overall, the treatment did not noticeably slow lung-function loss, reduce flare-ups, or prevent lung damage seen on scans. A possible reduction in flare-ups appeared among people who were not using inhaled steroid medicines, but this was a subgroup finding.

What this means for you: This study does not support buying N-acetylcysteine to slow COPD or prevent flare-ups for everyone. The possible benefit in people not using inhaled steroids needs confirmation, and the study did not show longer life.