Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A View on Comorbidity Phenotypes. A literature review

Abstract

This review’s purpose is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the systemic implication of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease Background: The ‘systemic repercussions’ of COPD are of great importance. These include accidental weight loss, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and depression. Frequently affecting the patient’s health and prognosis, these extrapulmonary COPD characteristics demand thorough screening and proper management to give the most effective medical care. Methods: We conducted a search of papers describing COPD as a systematic disease on the MEDLINE database. Discussion: Local and systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in the neuro-humoral states are some of the likely candidate pathways by which these extrapulmonary complications of COPD are affected, even though the mechanisms for the association of COPD with systemic disorders have not been fully clarified. The processes and mechanisms behind the extrapulmonary symptoms of COPD will likely become more transparent with further research. Conclusion: COPD management should be based on a clear understanding of COPD-related comorbidities and their impact on COPD itself.