Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease epidemiology

The damage to the lungs is the result of chronic inflammation, which is usually the result of tobacco smoke. Other factors, particularly occupational exposures, may also contribute to the development of COPD.

• An estimated three million people are affected by COPD in the UK. COPD is underdiagnosed. 60-85% of patients, mainly with mild-to-moderate disease, are thought to remain undiagnosed.^[3] 
• In the UK, it is estimated that more than 3 million people currently have COPD, and an estimated 2 million people have COPD which remains undiagnosed.^[4] 
• Most patients are not diagnosed until they are in their fifties. COPD is closely associated with levels of deprivation - rates of COPD are higher in more deprived communities.
• COPD is often associated with comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, osteoporosis, muscle weakness and cachexia.