Macrolides for macrophages in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Editorial: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex and multifactorial and is mediated by both pulmonary and systemic factors. Patients with COPD suffer frequent exacerbations that require medical intervention. Typically, exacerbations manifest as increased sputum production, more purulent sputum, an increase in airway obstruction and worsening of dyspnoea. Patients do not fully recover from these events, and the severity of disease progressively deteriorates. Exacerbations of COPD are frequently induced by bacterial and viral infection, and lower airway colonization is associated with increased disease severity and frequency of exacerbations. The ability to prevent or treat infectious exacerbations and airway colonization has the potential to substantially improve the disease course and the quality of life of COPD patients