COPD :: Increasing awareness, early diagnosis and treatment for COPD

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health, in partnership with leading professional societies, health, and advocacy organizations today launches COPD Learn More Breathe Better, a national campaign designed to improve awareness among those at greatest risk for the disease.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is a growing epidemic, the fourth leading cause of U.S. deaths, affecting one in four Americans over the age of 45. More than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD, and it is estimated that another 12 million may have it, but remain undiagnosed, despite recognizable symptoms and treatments that can control symptoms and prolong life.

?Many people with early signs of COPD simply avoid activities they used to enjoy because they become short of breath more easily. We want people to know that those symptoms have a name ? COPD ? that diagnosis is easy, requiring only a simple breathing test in your doctor?s office, and that treatment can help,? said Elizabeth G. Nabel, M.D., NHLBI director.

In COPD, the airways that carry air in and out of the lungs become partially blocked, making it difficult to breathe. COPD develops slowly and can worsen over time. COPD is often characterized by shortness of breath. Other symptoms include constant coughing, sometimes called ?smoker?s cough,? excess sputum production, and wheezing. COPD is sometimes referred to as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

People over age 45 with a history of smoking are at risk for COPD. In addition to smoking, other environmental exposures like pollutants or secondhand smoke can contribute to the disease. In addition, as many as 100,000 people in the U.S. may have a genetic deficiency, called alpha-1 antitrypsin, which raises their risk for COPD.


Leave a Comment