More attention to comprehensive assessment and individualized therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a largely preventable and treatable disease characterized by airflow limitation. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and associated with a chronic inflammatory response of the airways and lungs to noxious particles or gases [1]. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is heterogeneous and assumes different phenotypes. COPD patients with different phenotypes have different clinical features and characteristics, giving rise to difference in prognosis and responses to treatment. Along with the development of precision medicine, individualized therapy or specific treatment has received increasing attention and wide application. To focus on and implement individualized treatment is the core of the diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Systematic assessment of the disease features and severity is the basis for individualized treatment.