Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now the fourth leading cause of death in the USA, accounting for over 120,000 deaths annually and costing more than $30 billion per year.

It is estimated that more than 16 million Americans have COPD. Yet because its prevalence is still rising (and it is under-diagnosed), it has been suggested that more than 24 million Americans actually have COPD — meaning almost half of those with COPD do not even know they have it.

In the U.S., more than 85 percent of COPD is due to smoking tobacco. The remaining 15 percent is due to such factors as previous serious lung infections and/or inhalation of fume-laden air that damages the lungs or genetic abnormalities, like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Smoking-related COPD tends to run in families.

Source: National Lung Health Education Program