Respiratory synctial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus throughout the world that can cause flare-ups (exacerbations) of COPD. In an out-patient study performed in London and the Netherlands, 8.7% of flare-ups were due to RSV infectioin. Vaccines to prevent flare-ups are available and have been shown to be safe and effective.

On September 27, 2024, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first biologic medicine - dupilumab (brand name: Dupixent) - for the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD. The indication is for those with uncontrolled COPD and elevated eosinophils in the blood. Studies show a 30 to 34% reduction in COPD flare-ups over one year and an improvement in breathing tests. Dupilumab is injected under the skin every two weeks.

On June 26, 2024, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration approved a novel inhaled medication called ensifentrine (Ohtuvayre is the brand name) for the maintenance treatment of patients with COPD. This unique medication has both bronchodilator (opens airways) and anti-inflammatory properties and is delivered in a nebulizer twice a day.

In those adults living in the community with undiagnosed asthma or COPD, those who received pulmonologist directed treatment had less subsequent health care utilization for a respiratory illness than those who received usual care.

In addition, quality of life and lung function had greater improvements with specialty care compared with primary care.

HIIT means High Intensity Interval Training. HIIT exercise in COPD is an alternative approach to training than the lower intensity, longer duration exertion used in many pulmonary rehabilitation programs. It is a popular type of a cardio work-out - could be walking on a treadmill, cycling on a stationary bike, using a stair climbing machine, rowing, jumping rope, etc. HIIT is an intense level of exertion for a short time period. One example involves a 2:1 ratio of walking fast on the treadmill for 30–40 seconds followed by 15–20 seconds of easy or slow walking to recover.

"Triple therapy" refers to three different inhaled medications - a long-acting beta-agonist (LABA), a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA), and an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). The two FDA approved “triple therapy inhalers" are Breztri and Trelegy. “Dual therapy” is two bronchodilators – a combination of a LABA and LAMA. In an analysis of 11 studies, there was no difference in shortness of breath scores or risk of hospitalization between triple therapy versus dual bronchodilator therapy in those with COPD. However, in individuals with a history of one or more flare-ups in the past year, the benefits of triple therapy for reducing future flare-ups outweigh the increased risk of pneumonia.

Shortness of breath is the main symptom of COPD that typically limits physical activities and can be disabling. Relief of shortness of breath is one the key goals or treating COPD. In June 2018, the FDA approved the Zephyr Endobronchial Valve System. It is an implantable bronchial valve used to reduce over inflation of the lungs due to severe emphysema. The device consists of a one-way silicone duckbill valve that only allows air to exit from trapped areas. In the LIBERATE study, those with severe hyperinflated emphysema who received placement of Zephyr valves experienced improvements in breathlessness, activity, and psychosocial aspects for one year compared with standard of care.