Mechanisms of COPD Exacerbation Recurrence

Abstract

People living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are susceptible to acute deteriorations in respiratory health termed "exacerbations". Hospitalisations due to exacerbations of COPD are associated with high global health-care burden and cost. Preventing COPD exacerbations resulting in hospital re-admissions is a major target in COPD care. More work is needed to understand the mechanisms of re-admissions, prevent exacerbation recurrence, and find better approaches to prevent exacerbations.