Health and Economic Burden of COPD

Author(s):

M. Bradley Drummond, MD, MHS,MeiLan K. Han, MD, MS

Panelists discuss how, despite being preventable and treatable, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has emerged as a major global health challenge due to widespread exposure to risk factors, particularly tobacco smoke, which remains the primary cause despite declining smoking rates in some regions. Early environmental exposures play a crucial role—workplace pollutants, air pollution, and secondhand smoke can damage developing lungs, whereas genetic factors like α1-antitrypsin deficiency increase susceptibility.

Why has COPD become a significant health burden, given its preventable and treatable status?
Explain early environmental contributions (eg, tobacco smoke, pollutants, occupational hazards, and genetic factors) and precursor conditions.
Comment on the increase in COPD risk factors and an aging population.
What is the economic burden of COPD?

Health and Economic Burden of COPD

EP: 1.Overview and Diagnosis of COPD

EP: 2.Risk Factors for COPD

EP: 3.Mortality and Comorbidities with COPD

EP: 4.Health and Economic Burden of COPD