INTRODUCTION

COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide killing more than 10 million persons in the United States. It is estimated that COPD will rise from the sixth to the third most common cause of death worldwide by 2020.COPD is estimated to cause half a million deaths annually in India. The prevalence of COPD in India is estimated to be 3.49% based on nationwide prevalence study conducted by ICMR.

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Dr Sharanya MD

VIMS, Ballari