COPD FACT SHEET
The Problem
According to the Global initiatives on Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)
Guidelines, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease
state characterized by non-reversible airflow limitation that is usually
both progressive and associated with an abnormal inflammatory response.
The prevalence and impact of COPD is significant:
- COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.
The number of people with COPD increased 41.5% between 1982 and 1996
- 16 million Americans with COPD have been identified, and an equal
number may be undiagnosed
- CDC investigators estimated that 24.7 million Americans have lung
function measurements consistent with definitions of mild or moderate
COPD
- The mortality rate is relatively low in the under-45 population but,
as expected for a progressive disease, increases significantly with
age
Except for congestive heart failure, COPD is the only major cause
of death in the United States for which the death rate is rising.
From 1965-1998, the age-adjusted death rate for coronary heart disease
(the number one cause of death) decreased 59%, death rate from stroke
decreased 64%, other cardiovascular disease death rate decreased 58%,
while the death rate from COPD increased a staggering 163%.
The Burden
Nationally, direct and indirect costs of COPD patients are estimated
at $40 billion annually. Per capita expenditures for an aged Medicare
beneficiary with COPD in a managed care environment were 2.4 times
the per capita expenditures for all Medicare beneficiaries. In direct
healthcare expenditures alone, COPD costs the U.S. healthcare system
over $35 million everyday. Healthcare utilization for the COPD patient
is 6 times that of the average patient. Furthermore, the average COPD-attributed
charges double as patients increase in severity from mild to moderate,
and triple as patients increase from moderate to high severity. Many
feel that unless current trend is reversed, COPD is unfortunately
likely to be the disease of the new millennium.
COPD is a progressive, debilitating condition. Fifty three percent
of COPD patients say their condition limits social activities. Half
of persons with COPD (51%) report that their condition limits their
ability to work. Nearly a quarter of patients surveyed (23%) felt
that their breathing problems have made them an invalid. Even larger
proportions of persons with COPD say they worry about having an exacerbation
away from home and have a hard time making plans because of their
condition.
Definition of COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is actually several
lung diseases that are generally caused by heavy smoking for several
years. Air that normally flows easily into and out of the lungs is
slowed down by mucus lying in the breathing tubes and swelling, and
the breathing muscles contract more than they should. As a result,
those afflicted with COPD may:
- Have wheezing or coughing
- Feel short of breath
- Feel weak and tired
- Gain or lose weight
One, or all, of these symptoms may occur from time to time. When a
person has difficulty breathing because of COPD, the heart has to
work harder to give enough oxygen to the body. When the amount of
oxygen is low, the lips and fingernails may look "blue".
Causes of COPD
The primary cause of COPD is tobacco smoking. Some other causes are:
- Exposure, over time, to industrial pollutants
- Scarring of, or damage to, the breathing tubes or air pouches because
of a previous illness or injury
- Genetic, or inherited, causes
