Clinically relevant subgroups in COPD and asthma

摘要: As knowledge of airways disease has grown, it become apparent that neither chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) nor asthma is a simple, easily defined disease. In the past, treatment options for both diseases were limited; thus, there was less need to define subgroups. have so our predict who will respond new drugs. To date, identifying subgroups been largely reported by detailed clinical characterisation or differences in pathobiology. These are commonly called "phenotypes"; however, problem defining what constitutes phenotype, whether this should include comorbid and how handle changes over time led term being used loosely. review, we describe COPD patients whose characteristics believe therapeutic major prognostic implications specific lung, these constant time. Finally, discuss common COPD, give some examples might be tailored where subgroup clear, but label not.