Comorbid diseases are a common feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with most deaths among COPD patients from diseases other than chronic respiratory disease [1,2]. The importance of comorbid disease is recognized in treatment strategies such those published by the Global Initiative on Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) which notes that these diseases “may have a significant impact on disease course” [3]. Specific guidance on how COPD and its associated comorbid diseases are best addressed, however, is lacking, with statements like ”In general, the presence of comorbidities should not alter COPD treatment and comorbidities should be treated per usual standards regardless of the presence of COPD” [3].
