Early-onset COPD affects 1 in 20 adults under 50

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is present in 4.5% of Americans aged 18 to 49, and is linked to increased risk of early death, respiratory hospitalizations and heart failure. COPD is typically associated with older adults. 

Researchers analyzed data from more than 10,000 participants across four major U.S. health studies. They defined “young COPD” as the presence of airflow obstruction on spirometry combined with respiratory symptoms or a history of heavy smoking. The findings revealed that individuals with young COPD were 43% more likely to die before age 75 compared to those without the condition.

They also faced more than double the risk of being hospitalized or dying from chronic lower respiratory disease and had a 72% higher risk of developing heart failure. People with milder airflow obstruction but no symptoms or smoking history did not show these heightened risks, according to the study. 

“Young COPD was present in 4.5% of adults under 50 years of age in the cohorts examined,” the study said. “The diagnosis was associated with premature mortality as well as respiratory and heart-failure events.”

Read more: New England Journal of Medicine 

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