The different phenotypes of COPD.

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. To improve the health status and reduce symptom burden, it is important to identify a group of patients with similar characteristics and prognosis, called clinical phenotypes. Herein we shall review the different phenotypes of COPD. Keywords (COPD, phenotype, acute exacerbation) search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar. Those with raised blood eosinophil counts respond better to steroid therapy at stable state and exacerbation. There is no universally accepted blood eosinophil cut-off value that will indicate favourable response to corticosteroids and potentially for future biologic therapy. There is an urgent need for further therapeutic options for COPD patients with non-eosinophilic inflammation. Well-designed COPD trials with identification of phenotypes for more personalization of the treatment of COPD.