More than 140,000 Americans die from COPD each year – here’s why survival depends on more than avoiding smoking

Research shows that social isolation plays a major role in quality of life and risk of death in people with COPD.

By: Olamide Asifat, Georgia Southern University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 28, 2026

Words: 1,097

Last Updated: 3 months ago

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By Olamide Asifat, Georgia Southern University

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, caused 141,733 deaths in the United States in 2023 – the latest data that has been reported. That number reflects not just the effects of smoking, but a broader set of medical and social factors that shape who survives.

As of early 2026, COPD remains the fifth-leading cause of death nationwide and carries a substantial economic burden, with annual …

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