Selected updates on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose of review: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is preventable disease and yet it remains the third greatest cause of death worldwide. This review focuses on recent updates in COPD research which have had an impact on our understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of COPD.

Recent findings: Epidemiological studies of COPD have moved towards trying to understand the global impact of COPD particularly in low- and middle-income countries where disease prevalence continues to increase. In addition, we are beginning to uncover the impact of air pollution on COPD development with recent work showing a relationship between air pollution and COPD exacerbations. Advances in understanding early origins and early development of COPD have the potential to intervene earlier in the disease course to prevent disease progression. Although biomarkers such as peripheral blood eosinophilia have led to trials of biologic agents in COPD suggesting we may be entering an exciting new biologic era in COPD.

Summary: Recent advances suggest there may be a relationship between air pollution and COPD exacerbations. This requires further research to influence environmental policy. New clinical trials of biologics targeting TH2 inflammation in COPD suggest that targeted treatments with biologics may be a possibility COPD.