COPD's hidden history reveals centuries of lung disease struggles

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a group of lung conditions that restrict airflow and make breathing difficult. It includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthmatic bronchitis, all of which reduce quality of life and contribute to global ill health. Early observations of COPD began in the 19th century. In 1814, Charles Badham described chronic bronchitis as a disabling condition, referring to its symptoms as 'catarrh'. Later, in 1821, René Laennec identified emphysema as another component, initially linking it to environmental and genetic causes.

In 1846, John Hutchinson invented the spirometer, a device still used today to measure lung capacity and diagnose COPD. Over a century later, in 1959, the Ciba Guest Symposium helped refine the definition and diagnostic criteria for the disease. William Briscoe then introduced the term 'chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder' in 1965.

A major breakthrough came in 1976 when Charles Fletcher established a direct link between smoking and COPD. This finding provided the scientific foundation for smoking cessation programmes aimed at those with the condition. COPD remains a significant global health issue. As of 2014, an estimated 15.7 million Americans reported having the disease, making it the third most common cause of death in the US. The World Health Organization predicts it will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.