Prevalence and socioeconomic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and irreversible airflow obstruction. It is caused by smoking, occupational exposure, and air pollution. It shows a high prevalence, both in South Korea and worldwide. The global COPD prevalence is 11.7%, and a similar prevalence has been reported in South Korea. In the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010-2016, the prevalence of COPD was found to be between 13.1% to 14.6%. The prevalence of COPD is increasing continuously. Aging, male sex, smoking, and air pollution are risk factors of COPD. However, COPD is strikingly under-recognized given its prevalence. Three million people die annually due to COPD, and the mortality burden of COPD is increasing along with population aging. The socioeconomic burden of COPD is becoming enormous.