Diagnosis and management of comorbid disease in COPD

COPD is one of the most common chronic respiratory conditions and is associated with high healthcare use, morbidity and mortality. Multimorbidity in COPD is common and confers a worse prognosis. Despite this, there is delayed and often under-diagnosis of comorbid diseases in COPD. Knowledge of the respiratory and non-respiratory pathologies that can coexist with COPD is essential to ensure early detection and appropriate management. This review provides an overview of the comorbidities that have been described in COPD. We discuss their pathogenesis, pitfalls in their diagnosis, and strategies for their prevention and treatment.