- 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
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