Key Updates in the GOLD 2026 Report

Burden of COPD: The section on the Burden of COPD has been updated with the latest epidemiological statistics and references.
Screening and Case-Finding: The chapter on Screening and Case-Finding has been updated, and two new figures have been added (Figures 2.8 and 2.9).
Vaccination Recommendations: Recommendations for people with COPD have been updated with the latest information on RSV and influenza vaccination.
GOLD A, B, and E Categories: The criteria defining GOLD A, B, and E categories have been adjusted due to emerging evidence from observational studies. This evidence indicates that even one moderate or severe exacerbation prior to initiating maintenance pharmacological therapy increases the risk of subsequent events (Figures 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9). The threshold of one moderate exacerbation should now be used to consider treatment escalation, with the aim of achieving a low disease activity state characterized by no exacerbations.
Disease Activity: A new section on Disease Activity has been included in the report.
Management Cycle and Treatment Algorithms: In Chapter 3, these have been further clarified to emphasize the distinction between INITIAL pharmacological treatment (for treatment-naïve COPD patients) and FOLLOW-UP pharmacological treatment (for patients on existing pharmacological treatment regimens), as shown in updated Figures 3.7, 3.8, and 3.9.
Biologic Therapy: A new Figure 3.11 has been added to outline the evidence for the use of Biologic Therapy in COPD.
Exacerbations of COPD: Chapter 4 has been completely revised, and new figures have been introduced.
Multimorbidity in COPD: Chapter 5 has been completely revised, and new figures have been introduced.
Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies: A new Chapter 6 – Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies in COPD – has been added.
Report Restructuring: The GOLD Report has been restructured, with a significant amount of text and figures moved to Appendices 1–4 to improve flow, clarity, and reduce repetition.
Abbreviations: A table of abbreviations has been included, and abbreviations are used throughout the report to improve readability.
References: References have been checked and updated throughout the document.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd)

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