Trends in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the Asia-Pacific regions

The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rapidly growing in the Asia-Pacific region. There is the need for region-specific research and analysis of the epidemiology of COPD to raise awareness of the disease and highlight its causes. Such information is essential to for the development of effective national health policies to ensure evidence-based deployment of finite healthcare resources in the prevention and management of COPD.

Recent population-based epidemiological studies have confirmed previous assumptions that COPD in the Asia-Pacific region is as prevalent as in the mature economies of the western world. The greatest numbers of deaths and hospitalizations from COPD are concentrated in this populous region of the world. The patterns in trends in mortality and hospitalization in the past 10 years in Asia-Pacific countries show a spectrum from the 'mature' to the 'evolving' and are likely related to the combined effects of cigarette smoking and nonsmoking risk factors. Gross underdiagnosis of COPD and underutilization of spirometry further contribute to burden and are barriers to appropriate and timely management of COPD.

COPD is a common disease with a large disease burden throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Effective public health preventive measures coupled with timely case detection are needed for the reversal of trends and the reduction of disease burden.