In the US, about 6% of the population has been diagnosed with COPD. The prevalence seems to increase with age, with 9.6% of those 55-64 and 12.5% of those 65 years and older reporting a COPD diagnosis.[1] Globally, there are about 250 million people living with COPD. Over time COPD significantly impairs quality of life and ability to perform daily functions. It is associated with high healthcare costs and relatively frequent hospitalizations.[2]
Usually, persons with COPD have multiple other chronic conditions. For example, about 47% of persons with COPD report also having asthma, 44% report also having depression, and about 18% report having diabetes.[1]