A universally accepted definition of early-stage COPD is needed to design clinical trials and improve patient care, but current concepts lack universal acceptance.

Exploring Current Concepts and Challenges in the Identification and Management of Early-Stage COPD

GOLD stages of COPD severity indicate dramatic worsening of health status, but progression from stage 0 to stage IIa does not correspond to any meaningful difference in health status.

Do GOLD stages of COPD severity really correspond to differences in health status?

A significant percentage of young adults already have COPD, with GOLD stage 0 presenting the same risk factors and high demand for medical assistance.

An international survey of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in young adults according to GOLD stages

Early detection of COPD is crucial for preventing disease progression and managing clinical deterioration, but further clinical studies are needed.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Early Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD)

Early-stage COPD treatment with a combination of a bronchodilator and a corticosteroid can improve symptoms and reduce hospitalizations.

Drug Treatment for Early-Stage COPD.

Early stage COPD can be managed through smoking cessation and pharmacotherapy, but guidelines need updating and trials to confirm the benefits of intensive treatment.

New horizons in early stage COPD--improving knowledge, detection and treatment.

Early COPD risk decision for adults aged 40-79 years can be made using lung radiomics features, with patients at risk for COPD progression and deterioration at age 60 and stage 0 at age 65.

Early COPD Risk Decision for Adults Aged From 40 to 79 Years Based on Lung Radiomics Features

Early COPD patients have lower exacerbation rates, better pulmonary function, and less common comorbidities compared to late-stage COPD patients.

Characteristics of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at the First Visit to a Pulmonary Medical Center in Korea: The KOrea COpd Subgroup Study Team Cohort

Mild COPD patients experience significant disease burden, but evidence for treatment efficacy is limited due to their frequent exclusion from clinical trials.

Weighing the evidence for pharmacological treatment interventions in mild COPD; a narrative perspective

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria may lead to significant over-diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in asymptomatic elderly never-smokers.

Risk of over-diagnosis of COPD in asymptomatic elderly never-smokers

Early detection of COPD can positively impact patient outcomes if objectives are clearly defined and diagnostic strategies are implemented.

Early diagnosis of COPD: myth or a true perspective

COPD progression leads to accumulation of inflammatory mucous exudates and infiltration of immune cells, leading to thickening of airway walls.

The nature of small-airway obstruction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment of COPD, particularly with long-acting bronchodilators, can slow disease progression and improve health-related quality of life.

COPD: early diagnosis and treatment to slow disease progression

EARLY COPD is used for pre-clinical stages and MILD COPD for diagnosis confirmed by spirometry and FEV1 above 80% predicted, but biomarkers beyond FEV1 are urgently needed to accurately detect and follow the natural history of COPD.

EARLY versus MILD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Tiotropium bromide therapy may benefit patients with early-stage COPD by significantly relieving symptoms and reducing acute exacerbations.

Early intervention with tiotropium in Chinese patients with GOLD stages I–II chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Tie-COPD): study protocol for a multicentre, double-blinded, randomised, controlled trial

Early intensive intervention in COPD is strongly suggested, as patients in GOLD stage II benefit as much from pharmacotherapy as those in later stages, and decline of FEV1 occurs faster in early stages.

Treatment of COPD: the sooner the better?

Symptoms of chronic bronchitis increase the mortality risk in male smokers with normal lung function (stage 0) and in smoking individuals with mild to moderate COPD (stages 1 and 2).

Mortality in GOLD stages of COPD and its dependence on symptoms of chronic bronchitis

Early-integrated palliative home care is feasible and accepted for end-stage COPD patients, but its preliminary effectiveness needs improvement before moving to a Phase III trial.

Early-Integrated Palliative home care and standard care for end-stage COPD (EPIC): A Phase II pilot RCT testing feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness.

Early COPD diagnosis and treatment hold promise for halting or reversed disease progression, but a universally accepted definition is needed to effectively implement trials and clinical pathways.

Early COPD: current evidence for diagnosis and management

Patients with end-stage COPD often do not express a wish for help due to their perception of limitations as normal and lack of awareness of possibilities for improvement.

The silence of patients with end-stage COPD: a qualitative study.

These studies suggest that early-stage COPD is characterized by the need for better definitions, early detection, and management through smoking cessation and pharmacotherapy, while the progression and treatment efficacy require further clinical trials and updated guidelines.