Complexity and Challenges in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Respiratory Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Humans are exposed to numerous infections, toxins, and irritants daily, resulting in persistent inflammation. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) pose a major public health problem, with an estimated 3.9 million deaths in 2017, accounting for 7% of all deaths worldwide. Chronic lung disease (COPD) and asthma are the most common respiratory conditions, but others, such as pneumoconiosis, interstitial lung disease, fibrosis, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and lung cancer, are also global public health concerns.

CRD is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation and has a variable and unpredictable clinical course. The challenges in the diagnosis and management of patients with CRDs require a multidisciplinary and individualized approach to care, including an in-depth understanding of the complex molecular basis,  new biomarker detection, and implementation of combination/personalized treatments.

Several studies have shown abnormally developed lung structure, genetic alterations, and environmental interactions to be factors in susceptibility to lung diseases such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, and asthma. Molecular factors, epigenetic regulations, and pathogenesis are connected, indicating the need to identify more biomarkers at the early stages of the disease, improve the diagnosis, and develop more efficient targeted treatment strategies. The early diagnosis and management of lung diseases are crucial to preventing the progression of the disease and reducing the risk of complications.

We seek research papers that will consolidate our understanding of this field. The Special Issue will publish full research articles and comprehensive reviews on all aspects related to the theme of CRD, from its molecular and genetic factors to novel prediction, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches, are welcome.

Dr. Magdalena Radecka
Guest Editor

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• biomarkers
• signaling pathways
• epigenetics
• inflammation
• chronic pulmonary diseases
• lung fibrosis
• lung cancer
• airway remodeling
• diagnostic algorithms
• therapy