COPD Statistics
Posted by admin - 08/07/09 at 01:07 pmAccording to the World Health Organization there are around 210 million with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) but it also highlights that there are many, specially in underdeveloped countries that are undiagnosed. In 2006 it was the fourth cause of death in the US.
This is a disease that tends to be recognized in the forty year old range and upward, but as smoking is the prime cause of COPD, it is very probable that there are many more at risk.
In 2005 the number of COPD related deaths worldwide was 5% of the total (around 3 million).
Most of the deaths (90%) occurred in low and medium income countries.
This last statistic highlights the differences that medical attention, including diagnosis and supplemental oxygen facilities makes.
COPD is not curable but treatment can slow the progress. There are many people receiving treatment including long term oxygen therapy that are leading active lives and maintaining their lifestyle quality.
The number of men and women who have COPD is about equal, and to repeat myself, the main cause is tabacco smoke.
At the rate we are going it is projected that COPD will increase by 30% within the next 10 years. This also takes into account the ageing baby boomers.
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