COPD Claims Three Million Lives Annually; Early Lung Function Testing Can Improve Outcomes
American Thoracic Society (ATS)Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition marked by breathlessness, chronic sputum production and cough, claiming three million lives globally each year —particularly in low-resource countries — and is expected to increase due to aging populations and ongoing exposure to risks like tobacco smoke.