Foreword

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is a significant cause of disability and the third leading cause of death in the United States. By 2020, COPD is projected to rank fifth, worldwide, in disease burden according to the World Bank/World Health Organization. In the United States, the estimated COPD costs to the health care budget (direct and indirect), exceeds $50 billion. Over the past decade, there have been several treatment and lifestyle advances that have improved the quality of life for these patients.
Source: Disease a Month - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research