18 Dec 2025 • Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and gastrointestinal (GI) disease showed a bidirectional increase in risk, according to new longitudinal data.

In a cohort of more than 13,000 adults followed for up to seven years, baseline COPD was associated with a 33% higher risk of incident GI disease (aHR 1.33). Conversely, pre-existing GI disease increased the risk of developing COPD by 46% (aHR 1.46). Depressive symptoms partially explained both associations, mediating 16% of the COPD–GI pathway and nearly 19% of the reverse link.

The findings highlight overlapping respiratory, gastrointestinal, and mental health pathways and support integrated, multidisciplinary care, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.

Source: Respiratory Medicine | Read Full Story