Volume 07 · Issue 02 · 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease with a high incidence, mortality, and disability rate. Because there are few symptoms in the early stages of COPD, diagnosis and treatment are seriously insufficient. It is necessary to find effective clues for early COPD diagnosis and provide appropriate interventions. Several studies suggest that small airway disease is the earliest stage of COPD because it is correlated with subsequent development of airflow obstruction. However, there are currently no globally accepted criteria for defining early COPD. This study mainly introduced risk factors, definition, diagnosis, and treatment of early COPD from a new perspective.

Respiratory health in the general population declines regardless of the presence of pulmonary diseases. Oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the mechanisms involved in respiratory dysfunction. This review was to evaluate studies that relate oxidative stress factors with pulmonary function among the general population without prior respiratory illnesses. The search yielded 54 citations. Twenty-one studies qualified for incorporation in this review. Owing to the heterogeneity of the review, studies were discussed based on identified oxidative stress factors responsible for pulmonary dysfunction. Oxidative stress biomarkers, including gene polymorphisms of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase 1, glutathione S transferase, superoxide dismutase, and lipid peroxidation products were involved in lung function decline. In addition, the antioxidant status of individuals in reference to dietary antioxidant intake and exposure to environmental pollutants affected oxidative stress and pulmonary function, as indicated by forced expired volume in one second, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory flow at 25%-75%. This review indicated that oxidative stress is implicated in the gradual decline of lung function among the general population, and gene polymorphism along the antioxidant defense line and/or their interaction with air pollutants reduce lung function. Different polymorphic forms among individuals explain why the rate of lung function decline differs among people. Dietary antioxidants have respiratory health benefits in antioxidant gene polymorphic forms. Therefore, the genetic composition of an individual may be considered for monitoring and identifying people at risk of respiratory illnesses.

Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been consistently associated with asthma. In this study, we reviewed the epidemiological studies published within the last 5 years on the association between outdoor air pollution and exacerbation and onset of asthma. A large number of studies have been published within the last 5 years. Short-term exposure to outdoor air pollution is associated with exacerbation of pre-existing asthma, manifested as worsening of symptoms and increasing of asthma-related emergency room visits and hospital admissions. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution can result in onset of asthma. Children are more susceptible to outdoor air pollution. Future studies should be conducted to explore the mechanisms underlying the association between air pollutants and onset of asthma, including gene involvement. In addition, disentangling the effect of a mixture of air pollutants and identifying the key components of air pollution will complete the existing evidence. More importantly, a better understanding is required on the future impact of air pollution on asthma under a changing climate.

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a cornerstone management for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). International respiratory societies defined PR is more than "just an exercise program" ; it is a comprehensive care delivered by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals with a strong emphasis on long-term health-enhancing Behaviors. However, "Uncertainty" exists with varied reasons for the political and geographical barriers of referral, uptake, attendance, and completion of PR in both primary and secondary care. Besides, COVID-19 pandemic has sparked many global controversies and challenges on pulmonary rehabilitation service delivery. Post-COVID-19 guidelines emphasize on integrated care rehabilitation for patients with COPD. Thus, this concise review intends to understand the gaps in United Kingdom healthcare policies, practices, and PR services resources. To date, there is no clear consensus on PR integrated care model pathway to address the unmet needs, measure the health and social care disparities; adds to the disease burden of COPD. Based on the culmination of evidence, this perspective offers a theoretical framework of PR integrated service model, a pathway to deliver high-value personalized care to patients with COPD.