In terms of early identification and initiation of appropriate therapy, we posit that the altered expression of lnc-IL7R may be diagnostically reliable in that group of patients who may fall outside the current spirometric GOLD COPD definition but are indeed at risk of COPD, actually at high risk of COPD-specific death, or exhibit COPD-like symptoms. The gene discussed is IL7R; the disease is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.