Preventing COPD Through Awareness

Have you ever had that strange experience where you think about breathing, and then you can’t stop noticing how often you actually breathe? Are you doing it now?? Breathing is a simple reflex that many of us take for granted. On the other hand, what may be of no consequence to you, can be quite a challenge for someone who has been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.

Last month was National COPD Awareness Month 2012, but how many people actually know what this disease really is?? Unfortunately, a recent national survey has shown that the COPD awareness level has taken a bit of a dip in recent years.

COPD currently ranks as the third leading cause of death in the United States, so it may come as some surprise that many people couldn’t tell you what it is. For people who develop this condition, their airways will become narrowed and possibly obstructed, making it much harder to breathe and there is a possible risk of stroke for older patients. There is no cure for COPD, and as it is a progressive disease, it tends to get worse in the long run. This is why it is so important to begin treatment as soon as possible, but do you know what the symptoms of COPD are?

The Symptoms of COPD

Health care officials have estimated that there could be as many as 24 million people who are currently living with this respiratory disease, and as many as 50 percent of them may not even realize it! Many people tend to dismiss the symptoms of COPD as potential signs of aging (shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing). When this disease remains untreated, it will get worse, and the damage that it causes to the lungs is irreversible.

The estimated personal costs that are associated with this deadly condition can be quite substantial and even devastating. Patients who do not take care to manage their disease properly could find that they can no longer go to the store without supplemental oxygen, play with kids or grandkids, or even walk up the stairs.

Financial Costs of COPD

Then again, the financial costs that have been associated with COPD can be equally debilitating. COPD clinical research studies have shown that most people who are diagnosed with this disease are between the ages of 40 and 65. COPD can make it extremely difficult to continue earning steady revenue if you are still working during these years. Just under half of the people who have been diagnosed are forced to retire earlier than they would have otherwise.

Currently, the health care system has all it can handle from the costs of caring for patients struggling with COPD. For patients who are hospitalized, the average cost of their stay is almost $13,000. With these hospitalizations comprising about 70 percent of COPD-related expenses, it is not difficult to see how this could become such a significant burden. Again, early detection and effective management of this respiratory disease is the best way to prevent further hospitalization.

Take Steps to Prevent COPD

There are a few things that people with COPD can do in order to reduce some of the more damaging effects of this disease. First and foremost, if you feel that you or a loved one have exhibited any of the early signs of COPD; do not hesitate to talk to your physician about getting a lung function test. If it is caught early enough, steps can be taken to treat or even prevent this disease from fully developing.

Unfortunately, many people have already developed moderate to severe COPD by the time their condition is finally diagnosed. Remember that prevention methods, such as smoking cessations and healthier lifestyles, early detection, and immediate treatment are crucial aspects in preventing the worst that this disease can throw at you.