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This issue has been published in good faith that the contents provided by contributors contained herein are original, and is intended for educational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information, the publisher and the editors specifically disclaim any damage, liability, or loss incurred, directly or indirectly, from the use or application of any of the contents of this work. If not specifically stated, all figures and tables are courtesy of the contributing authors. Where appropriate, the readers should consult with a specialist or contact the manufacturer of the drug or device.

Cover images: (Left) Chest radiograph: posterioor view showing hyperlucent lung fields. Courtesy: Mohan A, Harikrishna J, Vijayalakshmi Devi B. (Middle) Image showing marked enlargement of airspaces with thinning and destruction of alveolar septa. Courtesy: Ponneduthamkuzhy T James, Kiran V Narayan. (Right) High resolution computed tomograpy chest: axial section showing low attenuation areas, suggestive of centriacinar emphysema. Courtesy: Mohan A, Harikrishna J, Vijayalakshmi Devi B.

World Clinics Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases

January 2013, Volume 2, Number 1

ISSN: 2319-1260

Printed in India

Vannan K Vijayan md phd dsc fccp fams

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a global concern as it has been estimated that COPD will be the third leading cause of death by 2030. It has been reported that the prevalence of COPD globally in adults aged >40 years is approximately 9–10% and the recently reported prevalence in India in adults >35 years is 3.49%. These figures are alarming in a disease which is preventable. However, COPD has not received the required attention and importance from medical community and policy makers to reduce the burden of the disease by adopting appropriate preventive measures as is being done in other chronic noncommunicable diseases. Recently, many scientific advances especially in genetics, pathogenesis and management have been reported in COPD. In order to disseminate the recent developments in COPD, the World Clinics in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine has devoted an entire issue on COPD with contributions from eminent pulmonologists.

There is a growing realization that COPD is a disease not confined to the lungs alone, but is being recognized as a systemic disease with multisystem manifestations, and COPD is even described as a risk factor for coronary artery disease. There is a need to disseminate the scientific knowledge that has accumulated during the last few years. Realizing this need, it has been decided to publish a separate issue on COPD by the World Clinics on Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. The topics for this issue are selected keeping in mind the scientific needs of both basic scientists and clinicians. The contributors of each article are experts in their chosen field with several years of experience. The important basic science articles described in this issue include epidemiology, genetics, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology, including biomarkers and dyspnea in COPD. Acute exacerbations, comorbidities, and vascular dysfunctions are frequently encountered by physicians while treating COPD patients, and recent advances on these aspects are described in 3 articles. Five chapters deal exclusively with management aspects of COPD. The important clinical issues described are imaging studies, treatment (both pharmacological and nonpharmacological), psychological/cognitive dysfunction, pulmonary fm12rehabilitation, and oxygen therapy. Pulmonary rehabilitation is an area that requires more attention from physicians to improve the quality of life of these unfortunate patients.

COPD is a preventable disease. Recent studies have highlighted that household air pollution and tobacco smoking are the most important risk factors that contribute to burden of chronic diseases in South Asia. These 2 pollutants are also the risk factors for the development of COPD. We have to pay more attention to the preventive aspects of COPD so that the burden of the disease in the community can be reduced.

I take this opportunity to thank Professor SK Jindal, Editor-in-Chief of the World Clinics in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine for inviting me to be a Guest Editor of the second issue on COPD published by M/S Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers. I also profusely thank the experts who spent their valuable time for writing up to date manuscripts for timely publication of this volume of World Clinics in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine on COPD.