Newer Therapies in COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a common preventable and treatable disease, is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases. Exacerbations and comorbidities contribute significantly to the overall severity in individual patients. COPD affects nearly 8% of the world’s population concerning 160 million people. COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and results in an economic and social burden that is both substantial and increasing. The prevalence of COPD is directly related to the prevalence of tobacco smoking (being the strongest risk factor ever known), although, outdoor, occupational and indoor air pollution are also major COPD risk factors. The burden of COPD is likely to increase in the coming decades due to continued exposure to COPD risk factors and due to increased life expectancy. A varying degree of inhalational injury & genetic susceptibility lead to phenotypic heterogeneity a hallmark of COPD.