Abstract
The historic perspective that used to define chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has changed. As reviewed in this article, it is based on a better understanding of the underlying inflammatory airflow obstruction and a multidimensional classification, which mostly targets a subgroup called ‘frequent exacerbators’. Clinical and radioimaging predictors are the stamina for an aggressive therapeutic approach. A simplified explanation of the updated Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines will ease the burden of treatment selection.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.