Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic respiratory symptoms, and structural abnormalities of the airways and lung parenchyma. It remains one of the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization worldwide, with cigarette smoking continuing to be the principal risk factor. However, increasing recognition of environmental pollution, occupational exposure, biomass fuel smoke, recurrent respiratory infections, and genetic susceptibility has broadened understanding of disease etiology. COPD is no longer regarded solely as a pulmonary disorder but as a complex systemic disease frequently accompanied by cardiovascular disease, skeletal muscle dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, depression, osteoporosis, and lung cancer. Significant advances in pulmonary function testing, imaging techniques, pharmacological therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and long-term disease monitoring have substantially improved patient care. Emerging biological therapies, precision medicine, digital health technologies, and artificial intelligence-assisted respiratory assessment are expected to further transform COPD management. This review summarizes current evidence regarding disease mechanisms, diagnosis, contemporary treatment approaches, and future directions in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.