Is COPD very common?

Yes, COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a very common respiratory disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, after heart disease and stroke. It is estimated that approximately 384 million people worldwide suffer from COPD, and the disease is responsible for over 3 million deaths annually. In the United States alone, COPD affects around 16 million people, and it is the fourth leading cause of death. COPD is a chronic and progressive disease that primarily affects smokers, but it can also be caused by exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, and other environmental factors.