Towards early detection and disease interception of COPD across the lifespan
Understanding the Heterogeneity and Burden of COPD
COPD is “a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, cough, sputum production and/or exacerbations) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema) that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction”.
COPD is a major public health problem worldwide. It is the third cause of death globally, affects about 10% of the adult population, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and has a huge impact on patients, their families and society.
Shifting Paradigms in COPD Pathogenesis
Our understanding of the pathogenesis of COPD has changed significantly over the past few years.
We review how this new knowledge can inform future clinical strategies directed towards earlier detection and disease interception of COPD across the lifespan, thus reducing its disease burden and improving the well-being and prognosis of COPD patients.
Future Directions and Research Opportunities
This review highlights that our understanding of, and ability to prevent and treat, chronic airway diseases, particularly COPD, is entering a new era.
There are still many questions to be answered, but there are great opportunities for research and, more importantly, to improve the well-being and prognosis of these patients.
Authors
Rosa Faner, Michael H. Cho, Gerard H. Koppelman, Erik Melén, Stijn E. Verleden, Shyamali C. Dharmage, Silke Meiners, Alvar Agusti
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Fecha de publicación
9 July 2025
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