What is COPD?

COPD is a preventable and treatable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases.

The chronic airflow limitation is caused by a mixture of small airways disease.

(Image: © The University of Edinburgh (2020) CC BY-SA 4.0)

Impact of COPD

• Not able to work: 1 in 4 adults with COPD
• Limit their activities because of health problems: Half of adults with COPD
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs: More than 1 in 3 adults with COPD
• Need to use special equipment for health problems: Nearly 1 in 4 adults with COPD
• Medical costs: Higher for adults with COPD than those without COPD