COPD cases in UK to rise but not as much as elsewhere in Europe in 2020s

A leading international data analytics firm predicts a 13.3 per cent increase in the total prevalent cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over the next decade in the seven major markets (7MM), including the UK.

GlobalData's latest report on future trends of COPD says there will be an increase in case numbers in the 7MM from 59.3 million in 2018 to 67.2 million in 2028.

For the UK, GlobalData is estimating 3.25 million total prevalent cases of COPD in 2018, and 3.58 million cases in 2028.

In 2018, there were 24.8 million cases reported in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. Comparatively speaking, the UK and Spain have reported lesser number of COPD cases, however.

Bharti Prabhakar, Senior Epidemiologist at GlobalData, said: “COPD is associated with debilitating long-term effects, and is largely irreversible, even with treatment. In addition to accurately diagnosing and treating COPD, understanding the risk factors and comorbidities of the disease can help improve patients’ quality of life.”