The exact prevalence of COPD in the United States is difficult to estimate because it is underdiagnosed and undertreated. Most patients do not present for medical care until the disease is in a late stage.
COPD predominantly occurs in individuals older than 40 years. Although current rates of COPD are higher in men than in women, rates in women have been increasing. Moreover, severe, early-onset disease probably represents a distinct genotype and is more common in females. Those with a family history of COPD, as well as black persons, are also at increased risk for this specific type.
For more on the epidemiology of COPD, read here.
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Cite this: Fast Five Quiz: Can You Properly Identify and Treat COPD? - Medscape - Sep 30, 2014.
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