NCD Watch

Breathing Alert: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

10 June 2025

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease characterised by persistent airflow limitation and respiratory symptoms. Over 80% of the global burden of COPD is attributed to a few modifiable risk factors, including smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure to air-borne pollutants. The global disease burden of COPD is expected to increase due to the general growing and ageing of the world’s population along with continued exposure to COPD risk factors.

COPD deserves attention as other noncommunicable diseases in Hong Kong, especially amongst the elderly. According to the Population Health Survey 2020-22, 0.5% of non-institutionalised persons aged 15 and above self-reported that they had doctor-diagnosed COPD. COPD exacerbations often require hospital admissions. In 2023, there were over 18 000 episodes of in-patient discharges and deaths and 991 registered deaths attributed to COPD.

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region recognises the significance of chronic respiratory diseases including COPD on the health of the local population. To reduce the risk of developing COPD, the public are urged to avoid smoking (including secondhand smoking), take heed of the public announcement of ambient air quality and general health advice, and observe occupational safety and health rules.

Stay physically active and getting vaccinations against influenza, pneumococcal infection or other lung infections as recommended by the doctor can also keep the lungs healthy.

Source: NCD Watch June 2025This link will open in a new window