Download Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a very serious lung disease. It is the fourth leading
cause of death in the United States and millions of Americans are estimated to have COPD. COPD starts
slowly and gets worse over time, but it can be treated.
What is COPD?
• A slow progressive disease
• Characterized by airway limitation that is not fully reversible
• Includes:
o Chronic bronchitis
o Emphysema
• Characterized by:
o Chronic cough
o Expectoration
o Shortness of breath upon exertion
Facts and Figures
• COPD is the 4th leading of death in the United States and causes serious, long-term disability.
And the number of people with COPD is increasing. More than 12 million people are currently
diagnosed with COPD and an additional 12 million likely have the disease and don't even know
it1.
• Smoking is the primary risk factor for COPD. Approximately 80 to 90 percent of COPD deaths are
caused by smoking. Female smokers are nearly 13 times as likely to die from COPD as women
who have never smoked. Male smokers are nearly 12 times as likely to die from COPD as men
who have never smoked2.
Testing for COPD
Pulmonary function tests are used to detect lung diseases or to monitor the progression of a particular
disease, such as COPD. Regular testing can detect lung disease in its early stages and allow for timely
treatment. The most common pulmonary function test is done with a machine called a spirometer.
Spirometry testing is quick, non-invasive and painless. If you regularly experience breathlessness, have
difficulty breathing, or otherwise suspect you have a lung disease, the American Lung Association
encourages you to ask your doctor for spirometry testing.
Managing Your Disease
At Oxford, we understand that living with a condition like COPD can be challenging and often requires
that you have access to a wide variety of resources. Below are some informational brochures that can
help you control your COPD and live a long and healthy life.
1
2
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/copd/
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/sgr_2004/highlights/4.htm