Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality globally.¹ A recent study suggests a global prevalence of approximately 10%.² Interestingly, Cape Town had the highest global prevalence of 22.2% in men and 8.5% in women.² COPD was thought to develop in only 15% of smokers. However, we now realise that this is an underestimation because COPD is both under-recognised and undiagnosed, as many patients accept the limitations associated with disease progression as natural for a person who has smoked.^2-5 The incidence of COPD in non-smokers is estimated at 5% or less.⁶ The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) estimates that COPD will be the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020.¹