Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, yet only one new drug class has been approved in the last decade. However, a recent surge in COPD treatment has been fueled greater understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease, as well as a growing prevalence and a population that is aging. Currently, there are nearly 25 novel drug targets in development. Furthermore, the indication has undergone some fundamental changes over the last couple of years, including an updated diagnosis paradigm, validation, and approval of patient-reported outcome questionnaires for clinical trials, and drug development tools, such as a prognostic biomarker for patient selection. In the context of clinical trials, this review aims to summarize recent changes to the diagnosis and evaluation of COPD and to provide an overview of US and European regulatory This review provides a concise overview of the literature regarding the impact of COPD exacerbations on both the patient and the healthcare system, the recommendations for pharmacologic management of COPD and the methods used to provide better care to patients and cut down on hospitalizations and readmissions guidance. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continues to be a chronic and progressive illness in spite of significant advances in treatment. frequently results in premature death. COPD is associated with a constellation of significant symptoms, including dyspnea, cough, wheezing, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and is associated with increased morbidity. Palliative care is appropriate to support these patients. However, historically, palliative care has focused on supporting patients with malignant disease, rather than progressive chronic diseases such as COPD. Therapies for COPD often result in functional and symptomatic improvements, including health-related quality of life (HRQL), and palliative care may further improve symptoms and HRQL. Provision of usual palliative care therapies for this patient population requires understanding the pathogenesis of COPD and common disease- targeted pharmacotherapies, as well as an approach to balancing life-prolonging and HRQL care strategies.This Review Describes COPD And Current Targeted Therapies and Their Effects on Symptoms, Exercise Tolerance, HRQL, And Survival