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Thursday, January 10, 2013

COPD statistics

Here are some facts about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:

  • More than 64 million have a diagnosis of COPD
  • Over 13.1 million Americans have it, although 24 million have impaired lung function.  So it's evident some cases have yet to be diagnosed.  
  • Over 600,000 are hospitalized for COPD exacerbation per year
  • About 65% of discharged were with a COPD diagnosis (of patients 65 and older)
  • 190,000 live in nursing homes (13% of all nursing home residents)
  • Over 3 million die each year with it
  • About 80-90% of COPD related deaths are people who smoked.  So, it's evident that the primary cause is cigarette smoke
  • The disease now effects men and women equally
  • COPD is not curable, but treatment can slow progress
  • Only 25% of people who smoke develop COPD, and the reason eludes scientists, although it's suspected that genetics has something to do with it
  • Total deaths from COPD are expected to increase by 30% in the next ten years
  • COPD is now the third leading cause of death
  • Air pollution, second hand smoke, and occupational pollutants can also cause COPD
  • About 51% of COPD patients say their diagnosis limits their ability to work
References:
  • Center for Disease Control (CDC)
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • American Lung Association (ALA)

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