An estimated 1.2 million people live with diagnosed COPD in the UK, and the prevalence of COPD in Scotland is higher than the UK national average.45

COPD is a disease of breathlessness, more common in those aged over 35 and in those with a risk factor, most commonly smoking or a history of smoking.46

It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is a long term condition, which is set to increase in prevalence due to ageing and continued exposure to risk factors.47