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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Overview of COPD

Overview of COPD

COPD is a leading cause of mortality worldwide and affects approximately three million people in the UK1

Uncontrolled COPD imposes a substantial burden to the NHS, costing
£1.9 billion annually, which is largely driven by exacerbations and emergency
hospital admissions2,3

Two-thirds of people with COPD in the UK remain undiagnosed, limiting access to optimal treatment and leaving many with reduced quality of life, high symptom burden and diminished emotional wellbeing1,4–6

Illustration of a tall adult and a child standing together in a park, surrounded by trees, greenery, and a bench, with a soft city skyline in the background.

Overview of COPD Infographic

Learn more about the burden of COPD in this infographic

NP-GB-CPU-BROC-250001 I October 2025

View the infographic
Diagram detailing the pathophysiology of COPD. Healthy lungs are shown on the left, and COPD lungs on the right

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A healthcare professional sitting on a stool speaksing with a parent holding a child in a medical examination room.

Burden of exacerbations

Managing exacerbations and the patient burden of COPD

Learn more
A healthcare professional reviews information on a tablet with a standing patient during a consultation

Personalised care

The role of Treatable Traits and management strategies in delivering personalised COPD care

Learn more
Two scientists in lab coats work together at a lab bench, examining samples and recording results.

Type 2 inflammation

The pathophysiological processes and cellular impact of type 2 inflammation in COPD

Learn more
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Community care

Integrated care for patient self-management in
community settings

Coming soon

Abbreviations

COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

References

  1. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: prevalence and incidence 2025. Available from: https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/background-information/prevalence-incidence/ (Accessed March 2026);
  2. Gutiérrez Villegas C, et al. Health Econ Rev 2021;11:31;
  3. NHS England. Respiratory high impact interventions 2022. Available from:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/prevention/secondary-prevention/respiratory-high-impact-interventions/ (Accessed March 2026);
  4. Punekar YS, et al. Pulm Ther 2016;2:59–72;
  5. Fletcher MJ, et al. BMC Public Health 2011;11:1–13;
  6. Suen AO, et al. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2023;20:1709–1717.
  7. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 2026. Available at: https://goldcopd.org/2026-gold-report-and-pocket-guide/ Accessed June 2026

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk or search for MHRA Yellowcard in the Google Play or Apple App store. Adverse events should also be reported to GSK on 0800 221 441 or UKSafety@gsk.com

NP-GB-CPU-WCNT-250025 | June 2026 (V1.0)