What is the prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) among adults in the United States?

From the Guidelines

Approximately 16 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and likely millions more have undiagnosed COPD. This represents a significant portion of the adult population, with COPD being a major cause of morbidity and mortality. According to the most recent evidence 1, approximately 11.7% of people worldwide have COPD, and in the United States, this translates to around 16 million diagnosed cases. However, this number is likely an underestimate, as many cases remain undiagnosed.

Key Points

• The actual prevalence of COPD in the US may be closer to 16 million diagnosed cases, with millions more undiagnosed 1.
• COPD is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with symptoms including dyspnea, reduced exercise capacity, and chronic cough with or without sputum production 1.
• Risk factors for COPD include smoking, occupational exposures to dusts and chemicals, air pollution, and genetic factors such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
• The prevalence of COPD has remained relatively stable in recent years, though mortality rates have been improving due to better treatment options and smoking cessation efforts.

Recommendations for Management

• Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for symptomatic patients with an FEV1 <50% predicted, and may be considered for symptomatic or exercise-limited patients with an FEV1 >50% predicted 1.
• Continuous oxygen therapy is recommended for patients with COPD who have severe resting hypoxemia (Pao2 ≤55 mm Hg or Spo2 ≤88%) 1.

From the Research

Prevalence of COPD in US Adults

• According to a study published in 2013 2, approximately 6.5% of adults (around 13.7 million) in the US reported having been diagnosed with COPD in 2011.
• The study also found that the overall age-adjusted prevalence of COPD declined from 1999 to 2011.
• Another study published in 2022 3 mentions that COPD is a major cause of morbidity, mortality, and health-care use worldwide, but does not provide specific data on the number of adults in the US with COPD.

COPD Management and Treatment

• A study published in 2005 4 discusses the treatment of COPD, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, but does not provide data on the number of adults with COPD.
• A 2023 study 5 reviews the management of COPD exacerbations, covering various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies, but also does not provide data on the prevalence of COPD in US adults.
• A 2021 study 6 reviews the use of tiotropium + olodaterol in reducing and managing COPD exacerbations, but does not provide data on the number of adults with COPD.

Trends in COPD Prevalence and Mortality

• The 2013 study 2 found that the age-adjusted hospital discharge rate for COPD declined significantly from 1999 to 2010, and the overall age-adjusted death rate for COPD did not change during this period.
• The study also found that death rates increased among adults aged 45 to 54 years and among American Indian/Alaska Natives, but declined among those aged 55 to 64 years and 65 to 74 years, Hispanics, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and men.