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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a group of lung conditions that make it difficult to breathe, is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The report, which looked at data from 2022, found that chronic lower respiratory diseases, which include COPD, were responsible for 3.5% more deaths than in 2021. COPD is a major health concern, affecting more than 30 million Americans, but many people are unaware they have the disease.
“COPD affects millions of people in the United States and worldwide,” said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. “However, despite being a leading cause of death, many are unaware of the disease and its symptoms.”
Symptoms of COPD include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough. The disease can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution.
The CDC report also found that chronic lower respiratory diseases were the sixth leading cause of death for both men and women, but the burden of deaths was higher for women than men.
Raising Awareness of COPD
The COPD Foundation is calling for increased awareness of the disease and its symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with COPD live longer, healthier lives.
“We must continue to increase awareness of COPD and to educate people about the disease’s symptoms and the importance of early diagnosis,” said Wright.
Here are some key takeaways from the CDC report:
- COPD is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
- More than 30 million Americans have COPD.
- Many people with COPD are unaware they have the disease.
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases were the sixth leading cause of death for both men and women.
- The burden of deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases was higher for women than men.
If you are concerned that you may have COPD, please see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
