Recent Advances in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

The prevalent respiratory condition known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with high morbidity and death. Despite being common, COPD is underdiagnosed, and many individuals are not diagnosed until the condition has advanced clinically. The early physiologic and pathobiologic alterations in COPD have been the focus of recent fundamental scientific and clinical research in an effort to improve diagnosis, provide targets for disease-modifying medication, and identify people most likely to benefit from early intervention. Good communication with COPD patients requires humanity, respect, and a people-oriented mindset. The healthcare professional’s personal values and views may facilitate or obstruct communication. All facets of healthcare share the ideal “personal specifications” for healthcare providers who treat people with COPD. The number of COPD therapies has increased significantly over the past 20 years because of the development of new oral and inhaled medications and novel surgical and bronchoscopic techniques. According to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD) recommendations, bronchodilators such as long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) are frequently used as the first line of treatment for most symptomatic COPD patients. Stem cells as potential therapeutic tools can differentiate into several different lung cell types such as the alveolar epithelial cells. Gene therapy offers novel therapeutic options for inherited and acquired diseases by delivering exogenous genetic materials into cells or tissues. This review discusses best practices in COPD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.