AB010. Economic and social burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background: Informing the community about the economic and social impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to raise awareness regarding the prevention of disease.

Methods: Literature review and online search.

Results: COPD, according to the latest definition of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) is a common condition that can be prevented and treated. Characterized by persistent airway obstruction, it is usually progressive and associated with an excessive inflammatory response to chronic airway and pulmonary parenchyma against toxic gases or particles. The prevalence of COPD (diagnosed by spirometry) varies from 5% to 13%, depending on geographic location, gender (higher in males), smoking habit, while in those over 60 years may be up to 30% of the general population. A recent study found that the prevalence of clinically significant disease in a general population sample was 10.1%. It is worth noting that the underdiagnosed percentage of the disease exceeds 50% and is due to the limited use of spirometry in primary health care, and in underestimation of symptoms by patients themselves.

Conclusions: COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and by 2030 is expected to be the third cause of death and the fifth cause of disability. About 50% of patients are under the age of 65 years. Patients currently amount range in between 450,000,000–500,000,000 and the disease caused over 3 million deaths annually. The global incidence of COPD in the general population is estimated at 10% in adults over 40 years. COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality also in Greece. The impact reaches 8.4% in the general population (11.6% in men and 4.8% in women). It is fully understood that smoking, assets and liabilities is the main precipitating factor for COPD. Approximately 90% of patients are or were smokers. It is therefore extremely important to fully implement the EU Council Recommendation on the prevention of smoking and on initiatives to improve tobacco control.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); smoking prevention; economic and social burden