Advances in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)New mechanisms, management strategies and treatments

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major global epidemic that is increasing in prevalence throughout the world, particularly in developing countries. It is often undiagnosed and even when diagnosed poorly treated. Several risk factors for COPD are now recognised but cigarette smoking is the commonest cause in developing countries.... read more

COPD is a term based on irreversible airflow obstruction that probably includes many different phenotypes, including emphysema and small airway disease. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of COPD are now much better understood, indicating that more effective therapies may be found in the future.

The most effective now available therapies for COPD are long-acting bronchodilators but current treatments have little or no anti-inflammatory effects so that more effective treatments are needed in the future.