Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a significant global health issue, now recognized as the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for about 3.5 million deaths annually. COPD is a chronic, progressive disease affecting airflow and lung function, often caused by smoking, pollution, and other environmental factors. It primarily impacts adults over the age of 40, with prevalence on the rise, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where nearly 90% of COPD deaths occur in those under 70 years old.
Recent estimates suggest that COPD affects over 300 million people globally, with prevalence and mortality rates growing due to urbanization, aging populations, and tobacco use. In LMICs, exposure to household air pollution, particularly from biomass fuel used for cooking, remains a significant contributor to COPD cases, while tobacco smoking is a primary cause in high-income countries, accounting for 70% of COPD cases. Interestingly, prevalence rates are nearly equal among men and women in developed regions, a trend shift attributed to increased smoking rates among women in recent decades.
