Type 2 Inflammation

Phenotypes and Endotypes of COPD

Dr Henrik Watz discusses the two main COPD phenotypes: emphysema-predominant and bronchitis-predominant, detectable via clinical assessment and CT imaging.
Henrik Watz
MD, PhD
Henrik Watz

Related resources

Learning objectives

  • To understand the phenotypes of COPD
  • To comprehend the role of endotypes in COPD treatment

Description

The video highlights the COPD as a diverse disease with two main phenotypes: emphysema-predominant and bronchitis-predominant, identified through clinical expertise and CT imaging. A frequent exacerbator phenotype is associated with a rapid decline in lung function. Modern treatment approaches focus on understanding the predominant endotype, distinguished by the type of inflammation (neutrophilic or eosinophilic). Eosinophilic inflammation, characterised by a threshold of 300 cells in peripheral blood, responds well to type 2 targeted therapies, thereby improving patient outcomes.

MAT-GLB-2503913 - 1.0 - 12/2025

About this expert

Pulmonology

Henrik Watz

MD, PhD

Professor, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany | Medical Director, Velocity Clinical Research Grosshansdorf, Grosshansdorf, Germany

See author’s profile
Henrik Watz