Is COPD Preventable? Why is COPD so important?
Is COPD Preventable?
-Yes in most cases of COPD are preventable. The single most common cause is smoking, which accounts for 80% to 90% of the risk of developing the disease. Other risk factors include family history of obstructive lung disease, previous history of respiratory tract infections, and socioeconomic status.Â
Why is COPD so important?
-Currently, COPD is the only leading cause of death that is increasing in prevalence. It is estimated that COPD will rank fifth as the greatest burden to society worldwide by 2020. In the US alone, there has been a 70% increase in mortality due to COPD over the last 20 years. The economic burden in the US is estimated at nearly $32 billion dollars annually.
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