Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) are common, often preventable and treatable diseases, characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.

Significant comorbidities may have an impact on morbidity and mortality. In the European Union alone, the direct cost of COPD amounts to 6 percent of the total annual healthcare budget in 2011 (380 billion Euros) and accounts for 42 percent of the total direct cost of treating respiratory diseases.