Advances in Medicine 2020 · The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease that is not well understood. Therapy for COPD is often started late, while triple therapy or inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)-containing regimens are used inappropriately in some patients.

Mild cases are estimated to comprise over half of the overall asthma population. Unlike in most other chronic conditions, patients with mild asthma are still at risk of serious outcomes, including death, according to Professor Helen Reddel of the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, who spoke at the Advances in Medicine 2020 virtual conference. [Eur Respir J 2007;30:403-406; Can Respir J 2010;17:74-80; Royal College of Physicians. Why asthma still kills: National Review of Asthma Deaths Confidential Enquiry Report. London, 2014]