Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): New treatment and management approaches

Abstract

COPD is the third leading cause of morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases worldwide, and exposure to toxic particles, such as tobacco smoke and air pollution, is the first risk factor. The management of symptoms advances with the prevention of acute relapse rather than the loss of preciosity in the early stages of the disease. Current therapies focus mainly on the alleviation of symptoms and lack intervention in the underlying inflammatory mechanisms responsible for tissue destruction in the lungs and airway obstruction. In this context, there has been an explosion of advances in omics and imaging technologies that will shed light on the pathobiology of COPD, leading to better methods for its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. In addition, novel biomarker-based approaches also allowed for better patient stratification, which led to the reappropriation of existing drugs for more personalized care in specific patient populations. The coronavirus pandemic has further aggravated the situation of COPD patients. This is because, by nature, COPD patients are more prone to severe forms of respiratory illness. They added the burdens of social isol ation and disrupted healthcare services, further complicating disease management. Components of a strategy for COPD burden reduction are early diagnosis, proper management of comorbidities, promotion of regular physical activity, vaccine interventions, and other smoking cessation programs. It is crucial to fight tobacco use, minimize exposure to environmental risk factors at all levels and increase access to healthcare. Another way to reduce COPD is also important in areas where there are alternatives to biomass fuels, thus reducing the burden on COPD rates. This can otherwise minimize the long-term impact.