What is the leading cause of copd?
What is COPD?Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of serious lung diseases. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and some types of asthma. In COPD, less air flows through the tubes (called airways) to and from the lungs, which makes it hard to breathe. Although there is no cure for COPD, it often can be prevented or managed. Show
COPD is a major cause of disability and death in the U.S.1 Chronic lower respiratory diseases, which includes COPD, are the third leading cause of death in the U.S.2 Of these diseases, COPD causes more than 95 percent of the deaths.1 About 15.7 million adults living in the U.S. have been diagnosed with COPD, although millions more may have COPD and not know it.1,3 In New York State, over 900,000 adults have been diagnosed with COPD.4 What causes COPD?
How can COPD be prevented?
What are the symptoms of COPD?COPD develops slowly. Symptoms often worsen over time and limit the ability to do everyday activities. Symptoms include:
If you have any of these symptoms or risk factors for COPD, talk with your health care provider. A simple breathing test (called spirometry) that measures lung function, chest X-rays or CT scans, and blood tests are used to detect COPD.10 Can COPD be treated?Yes. Treatment and lifestyle changes may slow down the progression of the disease and help people with COPD feel better. However, the damage to the lungs is permanent and cannot be reversed. That's why it's important to find out if you have COPD. If you do, your health care provider can work with you to find out what medicines and other treatments can help. You may be referred for pulmonary rehabilitation (rehab) and self-management training to learn more about the disease and the important role you have in managing it.11 If you smoke, the most important thing you can do is quit. About 8 out of 10 deaths from COPD are caused by smoking.5 Quitting is hard for many people, and 39% of adults with COPD continue to smoke even after they are diagnosed.12 Although many smokers say they want to quit on their own, health care providers can provide treatment that increases the chances of quitting for good.13 In addition to quitting smoking, other things that may increase your sense of well-being and reduce hospital admissions include:
For More Information About COPD
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References
What are the main causes of COPD?Smoking is the main cause of COPD and is thought to be responsible for around 9 in every 10 cases. The harmful chemicals in smoke can damage the lining of the lungs and airways. Stopping smoking can help prevent COPD from getting worse.
What can cause COPD other than smoking?Exposure to air pollutants such as industrial chemicals, fumes and dust in the workplace over a long period of time can compromise lung health. Other substances that irritate the lungs, like air pollution, dust, or industrial chemicals, may also contribute to COPD.
What 3 conditions make up COPD?Over time, exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The main cause of COPD is smoking, but nonsmokers can get COPD too.
What are the top two causes of COPD listed there?Common Causes of COPD
Cigarette smoke: This is by far the most common reason people get COPD. You can also get it from tobacco products, such as cigar and pipe smoke, especially if you breathe in the smoke. Secondhand smoke: Even if you aren't a smoker, you can get COPD from living with one.
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