Co-morbid manifestations in COPD

SummaryChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major burden of morbidity worldwide. COPD is now considered as a multi-component disease and attention has focused on the role of co-morbidities as part of the natural history of the disease process. Smoking itself, the most important risk factor for COPD, has been linked to a broad range of pathologies. The review will provide a summary concerning cardiovascular morbidity, cancer, changes in body composition, osteoporosis, and endocrinological disturbances in COPD.