• COPD is a major cause of death and disability throughout the world. It is the fourth leading cause of death in the world, ranking fifth in Europe (and other developed countries) and fourth in the US.
• It has been estimated that approximately 50% of Americans and up to 75% of Europeans with COPD are undiagnosed.
• COPD is expected to become the world's third leading cause of death by 2020.

The burden of COPD

• COPD carries a significant burden in terms of productivity losses due to incapacity.
• Exacerbations and hospitalisations are expensive aspects of COPD treatment. Exacerbations are responsible for the majority of COPD costs due to unscheduled physician and emergency room visits and hospitalisations. Exacerbations usually occur with increasing frequency as COPD progresses. This demonstrates a rationale for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment in the early stages COPD.