COPD is a major cause of death
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also called emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is a group of lung diseases that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD is the sixth-leading cause of death in Minnesota. COPD symptoms worsen over time, and COPD hospitalizations occur most often in older people. The prevalence of COPD is higher in males than females, in Whites than in Blacks, and in older adults. Lower income adults have higher rates of emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD
Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Other risk factors for COPD are long-term workplace exposures to certain environmental lung irritants and genetic predisposition. There is no cure, but measures can be taken to prevent COPD, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent COPD exacerbation. Poor air quality can make COPD symptoms worse: Sign up for air quality alerts to be aware.