Table 1 The proposed typology for capturing COPD phenotypes

1) Problem

an overall category for any COPD indications of concern

frequent exacerbator

a) MedicalCondition*

any disease or medical condition; includes COPD comorbidities

emphysema, pulmonary vascular disease, asthma, congestive heart failure

b) RiskFactor*

a phenotype signifying a patient’s increased chances of having COPD

increased levels of the c-reactive protein, alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency

i) SignOrSymptom*

an observable irregularity manifested by a COPD patient

chronic cough, shortness of breath, purulent sputum production

ii) IndividualBehaviour*

a patient’s habits leading to susceptibility of having COPD

smoking for 25 years

iii) TestOrMeasureResult*

findings based on COPD-relevant examinations

increased white blood cell counts, FEV1 45% predicted

2) Treatment

any medication, therapy or program for treating COPD

oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, pursed lips breathing

3) TestOrMeasure

an overall category for any COPD-relevant examinations or measures/parameters

increased compliance of the lung, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio

a) RadiologicalTest

any of the radiological tests for detecting COPD

computed tomography scanning, high resolution computed tomography

b) MicrobiologicalTest

an examination of a COPD- relevant specimen

complete blood count

c) PhysiologicalTest

a measurement of a COPD patient’s capacity to exercise

6-min walking distance