Chronic Respiratory Diseases Affect 569 Million Globally

ISLAMABAD — January 8, 2026: A major global health study has revealed that chronic respiratory diseases affected more than 569 million people worldwide in 2023, causing approximately 4.2 million deaths, despite a long-term decline in overall mortality rates.

Key Developments

• Global cases of chronic respiratory diseases reached 569 million in 2023
• Deaths declined, but certain conditions showed worrying increases
• Smoking and environmental exposure remain leading risk factors

The findings are part of the latest Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study, published in Nature Medicine and indexed on PubMed, which assessed trends in chronic respiratory illnesses from 1990 to 2023, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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According to the study, chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung disease, pneumoconiosis, and pulmonary sarcoidosis continue to place a heavy burden on global health systems. While age-standardised death rates have dropped by nearly 26 percent since 1990, the absolute number of people affected has continued to rise due to population growth and ageing.

Researchers noted that COPD remains the leading cause of respiratory-related deaths, with smoking identified as the most significant contributing factor globally. High body mass index, occupational exposure to silica, and environmental pollution were also highlighted as major drivers of disease burden.

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The study further observed that some conditions, particularly interstitial lung disease and pulmonary sarcoidosis, have shown an increase in prevalence, especially among older populations. These trends, experts warn, could strain healthcare systems if preventive measures are not strengthened.

During the COVID-19 pandemic period, the incidence of chronic respiratory diseases saw a modest rise. However, mortality declined at a faster pace, which researchers attribute to improved healthcare access, heightened respiratory awareness, and better disease management during the pandemic years.

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Health experts involved in the study stressed that despite progress in reducing death rates, chronic respiratory diseases remain under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. They emphasized the need for stronger tobacco control policies, improved air quality regulations, and expanded access to early diagnosis and long-term treatment.

The study concludes that without sustained public health interventions and environmental protections, the global burden of respiratory diseases is likely to remain high in the coming decades.

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