What is the prevalence of COPD?

    Written by:
    Marina Shkayeva

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Morgan Pfiffner, Shyam Jayaraman
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    In the US, approximately 6% of the population is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and the prevalence increases to 9.6% among people agea 55 to 64 and to 12.5% for those 65 and older. Globally, approximately 250 million people live with COPD, which often coexists with other chronic conditions and significantly affects quality of life and healthcare costs.

    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]

    What is the prevalence of COPD? - Examine