New Trends in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Pulmonology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 November 2025 | Viewed by 32
Special Issue Editors
Interests: COPD; spirometry; airway; obstruction; bronchoscopy; pleural diseases
Interests: aspects of rehabilitation treatment (efficacy, phenotypes, predictors, comorbidities) in patients with chronic disabling diseases of the respiratory system, especially COPD; events related to hospital flare-ups/readmissions in patients with COPD; the inflammatory, bacteriological, and clinical aspects of community-acquired pneumonia; the ventilatory response to maximal exercise on cardiopulmonary exercise testing in patients with chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, cystic fibrosis); prevalence and clinical significance of small airway dysfunction in patients with COPD
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) represents a significant and escalating global health burden. Characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The disease profoundly affects individuals by diminishing the quality of life, limiting physical activity, and increasing vulnerability to exacerbations and comorbid conditions. On a societal level, COPD imposes considerable economic costs due to healthcare utilisation, hospital admissions, long-term treatment requirements, and loss of productivity. Despite its pervasive impact, COPD remains under-recognised and underdiagnosed, particularly in low-resource settings. Traditionally, the management of COPD has centred on pharmacological interventions aimed at symptom control and exacerbation prevention. However, recent years have witnessed significant advancements in our understanding of the disease's pathophysiology, epidemiology, and management strategies. Emerging trends emphasise a more holistic and personalised approach, integrating pharmacological therapies with non-pharmacological interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation, nutritional support, psychological counselling, and telemedicine. Moreover, novel diagnostic tools, biomarkers, and digital health technologies are reshaping the landscape of early detection and disease monitoring. Environmental and genetic research has also shed light on risk factors beyond smoking, including air pollution, occupational exposures, and genetic predispositions. This broader perspective is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies and public health policies. Additionally, the recognition of COPD's heterogeneity has led to the identification of distinct phenotypes and endotypes, paving the way for precision medicine approaches tailored to individual patient profiles. The purpose of this Special Issue is to explore and disseminate the latest developments in COPD research and clinical practice. We invite contributions that address a wide array of topics, including but not limited to novel therapeutic approaches, advances in non-pharmacological management, patient-centred care models, innovations in diagnostic and monitoring technologies, epidemiological studies, and the impact of environmental and genetic factors. We are particularly interested in research that highlights multidisciplinary and integrative approaches to COPD care, as well as studies that consider the challenges and opportunities in diverse healthcare settings globally. By bringing together a broad spectrum of perspectives and expertise, this Special Issue aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of COPD and inspire future research and clinical innovations. We look forward to your valuable contributions to this important discourse.
Dr. Alberto Fantin
Guest Editor Assistant
Dr. Ernesto Crisafulli
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- COPD management
- pulmonary rehabilitation
- airflow limitation
- respiratory symptoms
- disease monitoring
- non-pharmacological treatments
- precision medicine
- environmental factors
- exacerbation prevention
- patient-centered care
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