One minute to ignite new thinking in COPD
- Article
- Campus Sanofi
- Apr 1, 2024
This article highlights the stability and predictive value of blood eosinophil levels in COPD, showing their strong link to exacerbation risk. Consistently elevated eosinophil levels can guide personalized treatment, including early use of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Integrating eosinophil measurements into routine practice can improve long-term disease management and patient outcomes.
Exacerbations are key events in COPD1 that play a crucial role in disease progression. Although often managed in outpatient settings, exacerbations contribute significantly to the overall burden of COPD.2 These events are characterized by an acute worsening of respiratory symptoms, including increased dyspnea associated with cough and production of purulent sputum, increased wheezing and chest discomfort.1,3 These characteristics reflect an underlying inflammatory response2 that exacerbates the disease process.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is typically suspected in patients with symptoms like dyspnea, chronic cough, or sputum production. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management, with spirometry being essential for confirmation. Distinguishing COPD from similar conditions, such as asthma, is challenging yet vital. This article provides clear guidance on differentiating COPD from asthma and highlights key tools like spirometry and validated questionnaires for monitoring disease progression and guiding treatment. Understanding and applying these tools can significantly enhance patient outcomes in COPD management.