COPD updates: what's new in pathophysiology and management?

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.