COPD cases to soar

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating, life-threatening and progressive lung disease that interferes with normal breathing. COPD refers to emphysema and chronic bronchitis - two commonly co-existing diseases of the lung. COPD is not curable, but it can be treated. Due to lung deterioration, people with COPD experience symptoms like chronic shortness of breath and coughs that impact the ability to lead an active and productive life.

In 1990, worldwide, COPD was ranked as the sixth leading cause of death, while in the US, it's listed as the fourth leading cause of death. In 2007, the economic burden of COPD in the US was $42.6 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity. But the economic toll of COPD is set to soar.

Society faces a major threat to its productivity, health and welfare as millions of people in their most productive years struggle against a disease that is often undiagnosed or poorly managed. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, hits millions of people, particularly those at the peak of their earning power - between the ages of 40 and 65. In the prime of their lives, and a time when they are caring for children and aging parents, as well as contributing to their communities, people with COPD are struggling to sustain an active, productive life.

Economic toll of COPD

A study presented on 18 May 2010 at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Conference in New Orleans by Education for Health shows that the economic toll of COPD is set to soar as the largely unknown and misunderstood disease heads towards being the third biggest cause of death globally by 2020.

The international and expert-led survey is the first of its kind detailing the impact of COPD on a working-age population and highlights an urgent need to keep individuals with COPD active and contributing to society for the benefit of all.

The survey highlights that society faces a double economic impact from the growing COPD crisis. Not only are patients losing an average of $1800 per year in lost income due to their COPD, but nearly one in five of 45-68 year olds are forced to retire prematurely due to the condition, thereby incurring increased health costs and reducing personal contribution from taxation.

Education for Health Chief Executive, Monica Fletcher said: "The survey results clearly demonstrate the social and economic consequences of COPD between the ages of 45- 68. In order to stem the rising economic and social costs of this disease we must look at practical ways in which policy makers, the medical community and other stakeholders such as employers can take a more active role in supporting people with COPD to remain active and in the workplace for longer."

Living with COPD

Approximately 210 million people worldwide are currently known to be living with COPD, yet it is likely that only about half of this group have been diagnosed. Symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to aging or other respiratory diseases such as asthma, resulting in COPD being undetected in about 50 percent of cases and misdiagnosed in about 23 percent. A 30 percent increase in prevalence is expected by the year 2030. The estimated prevalence of COPD includes approximately 4-13 percent of adults in Europe and approximately seven percent of adults in the United States. While COPD was previously more common in men, an increase in smoking among women has led to the disease affecting men and women almost equally.

The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoke. Today, 1.3 billion people smoke, a number that includes an increase among women and individuals in developing countries.

Miners and workers in chemical industries also are vulnerable because of their exposure to dust, harmful chemicals and fumes.

Because COPD is an ailment that blocks airflow in the lungs, it is critical that COPD patients often focus on breathing, exercise regularly and learn relaxation techniques, especially when they are short of breath.

Jodie Humphries

Jodie Humphries graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA Hons in Creative Writing in 2008. She has worked for GDS Publishing for the digital group since July 2009. She has previous experience with writing for the web, running her own website since April 2007.

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