Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: hiding in plain sight, a Statement from the COPD Foundation Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem that remains largely neglected; there is perhaps no single disease that is as frequently ignored at such scale by patients, providers, payers, and funders. The burden of COPD in the USA and worldwide has remained high over the past several decades, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. It is the third leading cause of death, with more than 3 million deaths attributed to COPD worldwide in 2019.1 In the USA, data from two National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 1988–94 and 2007–12) indicate that the prevalence of persistent airflow obstruction—compatible with a diagnosis of COPD—is approximately 15% and has remained stable over the past 20 years.