Newer therapeutic options in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are the third leading cause of death worldwide behind only cardiovascular deaths (ischemic heart disease and stroke) and cancers. The issues of misdiagnosis and suboptimal management in COPD are evident from the global disease burden and disability-adjusted life years due to COPD. One of the many reasons for this could be a lack of awareness of the newer treatment modalities among the treating physicians. The recent years have seen the introduction of many new molecules for the treatment of COPD. Many of these drugs are extremely potent bronchodilators which, when used, can reduce overreliance on inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). On the contrary, we need not refrain from the use of ICS particularly in cases where they are indicated. Targeted therapy of COPD is also coming up in a big way and is a sphere of medicine to watch out for in the future. Through this review, an attempt is made to summarize some of these recent advances in management of COPD.