COPD Prevalence & Statistics
Posted on Nov 01, 2009 in Information
COPD affects an estimated 24 million Americans and is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for over 100,000 deaths per year. While the disease is often attributed to smoking, that’s not the only cause. Secondhand smoke, occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution and genetic factors can also be behind COPD.
If you or someone close to you lives with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), then you are aware of the daily struggles that may coincide with managing this disease. Patients with COPD report symptoms of breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest that may affect one’s quality of life by limiting physical activity or routine daily tasks.
There is no cure for COPD, but there are several lifestyle changes that patients and caregivers can make to help manage this disease. For example, rehabilitation exercises and quitting smoking may help. Patients should also seek medical treatment and talk with their doctor about the use ofnebulization therapy as a way to manage their COPD successfully with medication.
This year’s World COPD Day will be held November 18 and is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of COPD around the world.
For more information about COPD, visit www.copdfoundation.org. Those seeking information about caregiving may want to research the National Family Caregivers Association.
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