Identifying the at risk smokers: who goes on to get COPD?

COPD is a common disease that predominantly affects smokers and is characterised by persistent and usually progressive airflow limitation [1]. While international bodies, such as the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), have varied in their classification system for COPD severity over the years, there has long been recognition that pathologically [2] and clinically [3] relevant disease may be present before spirometry becomes abnormal. Indeed, GOLD included "at risk" as a disease stage in early iterations of their documents on COPD.

Source: European Respiratory Journal - October 30, 2019 Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Madan, A., Turner, A. M. Tags: Editorials Source Type: research