Researchers may have found the precursor to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), raising hopes for better prevention and potentially saving lives. COPD, which is one of the leading causes of death in Denmark, is often diagnosed late, complicating treatment. But now, researchers from Herlev Hospital and Gentofte Hospital have likely identified “early COPD.”
Doctor and researcher Yunus Çolak, who conducted the study with professor Shoaib Afzal, explains that early COPD can be detected through a medical history and lung function tests. This discovery can make it easier to intervene with prevention earlier in the course of the disease, especially since up to 85 percent of COPD cases are associated with smoking. Typical symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, cough with phlegm, and frequent lung infections.
The existence of an early stage of COPD provides an opportunity to implement preventive measures at an earlier stage. However, Çolak points out that it is still uncertain whether the disease can be prevented or slowed down completely. To answer this question, he emphasizes the need for a consensus on the definition of early COPD, as well as further studies. This process may take several years.
Another issue is the lack of research showing which treatment is effective against early COPD, as this is a relatively new area. The researchers have defined the precursor to COPD based on chronic bronchitis and minor lung function changes that do not meet the criteria for a COPD diagnosis but are still considered abnormal.
Through independent population studies, where randomly selected Danes were followed over ten years starting from 2003 and 25 years starting from 1976, the researchers were able to predict the development of the disease with great confidence. According to Çolak, the results can help identify and monitor relevant risk groups in the population, such as through annual lung function tests.
The study has been published in the prestigious journal American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.