Study Estimates a 23% Increase in COPD by 2050, Representing 600 Million Patients Globally
December 07 2023 - 2:34PM
ResMed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) today announced the results of a
study on the global burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD) through 2050. Published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association (JAMA) Network Open, the study found that COPD
prevalence among those 25 years and older is expected to increase
by 23% from 2020 to 2050, with the largest growth projected among
women and within low- and middle-income countries.
According to the World Health Organization, COPD is the third
deadliest disease in the world. Today, there are an estimated 480
million people who suffer from COPD. This study in JAMA Network
Open projects the increased regional and global burden of COPD by
2050 through an analysis of historical COPD prevalence and data on
COPD risk factors such as tobacco smoking, outdoor air pollution,
and household air pollution.
The study highlights the disproportionate impacts of COPD
anticipated among women and residents of low- and middle-income
countries:
- By 2050, the number of women with COPD is projected to increase
by 47% compared to only 9% growth in men
- Low- and middle-income countries forecast more than a 32%
increase in COPD cases, versus nearly a 4% increase in
high-income countries from 2020 to 2050
- Increasing prevalence of COPD in women and low- and
middle-income countries is driven by such factors as increases in
smoking prevalence and biomass smoke during cooking in poorly
ventilated homes
"These numbers are a clear warning that we need to inspire
immediate action across industries and geographies to lower the
risk factors for COPD while also increasing awareness of the
symptoms of this deadly disease,” says Carlos Nunez, M.D., Chief
Medical Officer at ResMed. “The disproportionate growth of COPD
among women is a critical finding as COPD has not always been as
prevalent in women. As a healthcare community we have a
responsibility to be more vigilant in screening, testing, and
proactively providing COPD education to female patients as well as
communities that may not have easy access to this information.
Education accompanied by action can have a positive impact by
mobilizing people to get diagnosed and treated early.”
COPD is an umbrella term for progressive lung diseases that make
it difficult to breathe such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and
non-reversible asthma. It primarily arises from prolonged exposure
to harmful substances, such as tobacco smoke, elevating the risk of
heart disease, lung cancer, and various other health complications.
Secondary causes include childhood respiratory infections and
chronic exposure to air pollution, dust, and chemicals. COPD
comprises two prevalent conditions: chronic bronchitis,
characterized by inflamed bronchial tube linings causing daily
cough and mucus production, and emphysema, where air sacs at the
end of small lung air passages deteriorate due to exposure to
harmful substances such as cigarette smoke.
Recognizable symptoms of COPD include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Chronic cough that may produce mucus
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Lack of energy
- Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
Although COPD is progressive, it is treatable, and proper
management and early intervention can provide symptom control,
improved quality of life, and reduced risk of associated health
problems.
“When you can’t breathe, it’s the scariest thing ever,” says
Lisa Hall, who was diagnosed with COPD eight years ago and for over
three years has been using a digital therapy solution by ResMed.
“While I know I will always be a little out of breath every day,
it’s not as bad as it would be if I weren’t on therapy today. Now
that I can manage my COPD, I have the energy to take my grandkids
to the park.”
While there is currently no cure for COPD, there are both
non-invasive and surgical treatment options available, including
medication, exercise, oxygen therapy, and ventilation. ResMed
provides Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) and other mechanical
ventilation solutions tailored to the needs of COPD patients,
whether in a hospital or home setting. These interventions can
enhance the patient's quality of life and reduce the frequency of
hospital visits and the risk of death.
To read the full study, see the publication in JAMA Network
Open.
About ResMedAt ResMed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), we
pioneer innovative solutions that treat and keep people out of the
hospital, empowering them to live healthier, higher-quality lives.
Our digital health technologies and cloud-connected medical devices
transform care for people with sleep apnea, COPD, and other chronic
diseases. Our comprehensive out-of-hospital software platforms
support the professionals and caregivers who help people stay
healthy in the home or care setting of their choice. By enabling
better care, we improve quality of life, reduce the impact of
chronic disease, and lower costs for consumers and healthcare
systems in more than 140 countries. To learn more,
visit ResMed.com and follow @ResMed.
Media:Rowena Kelley+1
858.289.7272news@resmed.com
Kristin Deuber+614.975.4186resmed@allisonworldwide.com
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