COPD and the burden of multimorbidity: navigating the complexity.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The majority of patients with COPD have multiple coexisting chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, lung cancer, and metabolic syndrome, a phenomenon that is known as multimorbidity. The coexistence of these diseases with COPD complicates diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

AREAS COVERED: This review explores the underlining mechanisms that connect COPD and multimorbidity, such as shared risk factors and pathophysiological pathways. It also highlights the challenges in managing multimorbid patients and emphasizes the fact that the complexity of comorbidities may require a multidisciplinary approach in COPD management.

EXPERT OPINION: Managing COPD in the context of multimorbidity requires a multidisciplinary approach. This approach should combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for COPD, adhere to evidence-based guidelines for managing comorbidities, and target modifiable shared risk factors to improve overall patient outcomes.