How Many People Have COPD?

• In the U.S. -- According to the National Center for Health Statistics, COPD affects more than 30 million people. Just over half, 16 million, have been diagnosed with the condition.
• In California -- An estimated 1,750,000 have COPD
• In San Diego and Imperial Counties -- An estimated 160,000 have COPD

Other COPD Statistics

• COPD is the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S. (behind heart disease, cancer and stroke). More than 110,000 Americans died from COPD during 1999.
• COPD is the third leading reason for at-home care (after congestive heart failure and stroke)
• The rate of COPD is on the increase, and will continue to climb as our population ages.
• COPD costs the U.S. approximately $26.0 billion per year

Between 80 and 90% of COPD cases are due to cigarette smoking. The other cases are due to serious lung infections, environmental causes, or genetic conditions.

What is COPD?
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a disease in which the airways are obstructed., causing shortness of breath. This airway obstruction can occur because of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or a combination of these. Asthma, or asthmatic bronchitis, can also occur with COPD.

COPD takes many years to develop, and people usually don't notice symptoms in the beginning. As the disease progresses, shortness of breath becomes more pronounced. Persistent coughing, wheezing and excess mucus production may also occur. With advanced COPD, every breath can be an effort, continuous oxygen may be required, and frequent hospitalizations are common.

While COPD can not be reversed, there is much that can be done to help preserve remaining lung function and to improve quality of life. The sooner COPD is noticed, and corrective steps are taken, the better the outlook. The information contained in the "Managing COPD" sections discusses actions to take to lessen the impact of COPD.

For more information on emphysema, go to the ALA site:
http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungemphysem.html

For more information on chronic bronchitis, go to the ALA site:
http://www.lungusa.org/diseases/lungchronic.html