COPD remains an increasing issue worldwide, with prevalence, morbidity and mortality all rising.
The 2026 international GOLD COPD strategy includes increased emphasis on the risk from exacerbations with changes to their “ABE” assessment tool.
A person with COPD is now considered high risk if they have one or more (rather than 2 or more) moderate or severe exacerbation in the previous 12 months.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and other comorbidities
On average people with COPD have at least five other comorbidities which are affected by the extra inflammation that occurs during exacerbations, increasing the risk of death both during the exacerbation and for up to 12 months afterwards.
The GOLD strategy stresses the importance of early recognition of comorbidities and holistic treatment of these multimorbid patients.
A useful interactive resource to help clinicians with this is available on the PCRS website: https://www.pcrs-uk.org/resource/current/beyond-lungs
In terms of new COPD treatments there is increasing interest in the role of biologics that are currently used for severe asthma. One of these, dupilumab, is now licensed in COPD but not yet approved by NICE. Experts agree that the role of biologics is likely to expand in the next few years so watch this space!
Our COPD update course covers these and many other aspects of effective COPD care, with links to many more useful resources for practice – https://primarycarecpdtraining.co.uk/course/copd-update-webinar/