The Burden of COPD: Managing COPD … It is possible!

Fighting for each breath is only part of the struggle for those living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Chronic lower respiratory disease, primarily COPD, is the third leading cause of death in the United States. According to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COPD is linked to an increased number of people being unable to work and decreased activity. This outcome was even more pronounced for those who are current smokers and are physically inactive.
The Burden of COPD
• Adults with COPD are more likely to report being unable to work (24 %) than adults who do not have COPD (5%).
• Half of adults with COPD face activity limitations resulting from health problems compared to 17% of those who do not have COPD.
• More people with COPD (38%) report they have difficulty walking or climbing stairs compared to those who do not have the condition (11%).
• More people with COPD (22%) say they require the use of special equipment for health problems compared to 7% of adults without COPD.
Who is more likely to have COPD
The people more likely to have COPD include smokers and older people, American Indians/Alaska Natives are known to have COPD than others in the US, women, individuals with less education and those with a history of asthma. (Source CDC)