Hanyang Med Rev.  2005 Nov;25(4):9-14.

Epidemiology of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• Park SH

Abstract

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and imparts a substantial economic burden on individuals and society. Some of the risk factors for COPD are well-known and include smoking, occupational exposures, air pollution, airway hyperresponsiveness, asthma, and certain genetic variations. Precise definitions of COPD vary and are frequently dependent on an accurate diagnosis of the problem by a physician. These differences in the definition of COPD can have large effects on the estimates of COPD in the population. In most of the world, COPD prevalence and mortality are still increasing and likely will continue to rise in response to increases in smoking, particularly by women and adolescents. Resources aimed at smoking cessation and prevention, COPD education and early detection, and better treatment will be of the most benefit in our continuing efforts against this important cause of morbidity and mortality.

Keyword

COPD; Epidemiology; Prevalence; Morbidity; Mortality

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Air Pollution
Asthma
Diagnosis
Education
Epidemiology*
Female
Genetic Variation
Humans
Mortality
Occupational Exposure
Prevalence
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive*
Risk Factors
Smoke
Smoking
Smoking Cessation
Smoke