COPD in New Zealand

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  • These statistics come from the Asthma Foundation's 2003 document The Burden of COPD in New Zealand. Click here to read one of the Asthma Foundation's research documents on respiratory illness.

ISSUES AT A GLANCE

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects hundreds of thousands of Kiwis, yet most people have never even heard the term COPD. Here are some statistics relating to COPD in New Zealand.  

  • COPD has a substantial impact on the health of New Zealanders. Although often undiagnosed, it affects an estimated 15% of the adult population over the age of 45 years (at least 200,000 New Zealanders.)
  • More than 85% of the burden of COPD arises from tobacco smoking, with contributions from cannabis use and dust exposure in the workplace.
  • COPD is the 4th leading cause of death after cancer, heart disease and stroke.
  • COPD is ranked 2nd in men and 5th in women with regards to its health impact.Is estimated to cost up to $192m in direct health care costs each year.
  • COPD is an irreversible disease but is almost entirely preventable by avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke. Over 15% of all smokers are likely to become affected.