Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major personal and public health burden in Australia.
OBJECTIVE
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious disease that is increasing in prevalence, yet is under-diagnosed and under-recognised in Australia. The goal is to bring this to the attention of public health and offer recommendations in order to reduce the present and future burden from COPD.


METHODS
The increase in prevalence, particularly in women, and the impact upon personal and public health demonstrate that COPD is a major public health issue. A proactive approach for public health is suggested, including strategies to increase smoking cessation among at-risk groups, reduce delayed diagnosis, extend disease management strategies, and establish an Australian research base.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction of the burden from COPD is contingent upon a proactive approach by public health that includes approaching it as a research priority and the provision of adequately resourced prevention and management strategies.
Frith
Peter A
PA
Southern Respiratory Services, Repatriation General Hospital, South Australia, Australia. peter.frith@rgh.sa.gov.au
Cafarella
Paul A
PA
Duffy
Janice M
JM
D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D019468:Disease Management; D006285:Health Planning; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011634:Public Health; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life