COPD is a disease of adults, particularly those over 45, with a history of smoking
or inhalation of airborne pollution. It is diagnosed when the forced expiratory
volume in 1 second (FEV) is less than 60% of the expected value for the patient’s
age and height and the patient does not respond to steroid drugs and bronchodilators.
Average percentage prevalence of COPD among people of all ages.
