Data Provides Insight On Today's Face Of COPD

Friday, March 1, 2013

(NAPSA)—In 2008, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease aug (COPD) surpassed stroke to Lis trying to aCBert) become the third-leading cause of death in the United States. Nationwide, more than 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD while millions more are unaware they may have the disease. Yet, for the serious bur- den COPD poses on American public health and people's quality 0oremnttat a of life, detailed nationwide data gressive respiratory conditions, disease has beenscarce. State-Level Data bronchitis, which over time make on whois most affected by this Now, the ongoing Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided for the first time an in-depth look at COPD prevalenceforall 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The data revealed that COPD preva- lence rates vary widely across the country—from less than 4 percent of the population in Utah, Wash- ington and Minnesota to more than 9 percent in Alabama and Kentucky. States most affected by including emphysema and chronic it difficult to breathe. The symp- toms start slowly and signs include a chronic cough (also known as a “smoker’s cough”), shortness of breath, increased phlegm production, wheezing, and not being able to take a deep breath. Currently, there is no cure for COPD but with treatment, the disease can be managed and patients can have an improved quality of life. More women than men(6.7 percent vs. 5.2 percent) have COPD and the disease most often targets adults age 45 and older with a his- COPD are clustered along the tory of smoking, which is whyit is Rivers, with Kentucky reporting the highest percentage of resi- ease. Yet, 24 percent of COPD Ohio and lower Mississippi dents suffering from COPD, followed by Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma and West Virginia. “With many people remaining undiagnosed, this state-level data often referred to as a smoker's dis- patients in the U.S. have never smoked. Exposureto lungirritants andair pollutants, such as fumes, dust and secondhand smoke, may also lead to COPD. In some rare cases, COPD may be caused by a education and awareness at the genetic predisposition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. identifies audiences most at need a negative impact on their quality illustrates the need for increased local level. It allows for more focused public health efforts and for education and resources,” said JamesKiley, Ph.D., director of the Division of Lung Diseases at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health. Signs and Symptoms COPD describes a group of pro- Two-thirds of COPD patients surveyed said that symptoms had of life. Recognizing symptoms and getting treatment early is key to preserving quality of life and con- tinuing to enjoy daily activities. To learn more about COPD, visit NHLBI’s COPD Learn More Breathe Better website http:/COPD.nhlbi.nihgov. at

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