Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has emerged as the third leading cause of death globally, with 3,4 juta deaths recorded in 2023, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data.
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) projects in its 2026 report that the annual death toll from COPD and related conditions could exceed 5,4 juta by 2060. This increase is driven by rising smoking prevalence in low- and middle-income nations and an aging global population, where approximately 90% of current COPD-related deaths occur, as reported by Olenka.
In Indonesia, the 2013 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) estimated that 3.7% of the population over age 30, or roughly 9,2 juta people, live with COPD symptoms. The 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) identified that 34.5% of Indonesian adults—about 70 juta people—are active smokers.
Beyond smoking, health authorities identify second-hand smoke, air pollution, workplace dust or chemical exposure, and childhood respiratory infections as significant contributors to the disease. Research published in Respiratory Research in 2019 found that non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke face an odds ratio of 4.8 for developing chronic bronchitis, a condition often linked to the progression of COPD.
COPD causes persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms such as chronic cough, sputum production, wheezing, and fatigue. Because these symptoms develop slowly, they are frequently misidentified as signs of aging or declining fitness, Olenka reported.
"Given the large burden of COPD globally and in Indonesia, efforts to encourage early diagnosis are becoming increasingly important." said Esra Erkomay, Presiden Direktur of AstraZeneca Indonesia, as quoted by Olenka. Erkomay emphasized that confirming a diagnosis requires medical evaluation, specifically through spirometry, to measure lung function.
To address the diagnostic gap, AstraZeneca Indonesia collaborated with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Indonesian Society of Respirology (PDPI) in 2025 to train over 150 general practitioners. The initiative focused on the use of spirometry and current management guidelines to improve primary care capacity.
"With earlier diagnosis, patients can receive appropriate treatment more quickly so that symptoms can be managed and quality of life maintained." Erkomay told Olenka. Management strategies involve reducing exposure to irritants, adhering to prescribed medications, and maintaining regular physical activity, aligned with both global GOLD guidelines and PDPI standards.
Exposure to second-hand smoke causes chronic inflammation and thickening of the bronchial tubes. Research indicates this increases the risk of developing chronic bronchitis, which can be a precursor to or a component of COPD.
Projections from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2026 report indicate that annual deaths related to COPD are expected to climb from 3,4 juta in 2023 to more than 5,4 juta by 2060, as reported by Olenka.
Keep reading