Learn More Breathe Better

It's the 4th leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease, cancer and stroke, yet you probably never heard of COPD.

COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects 24 million Americans, half of them undiagnosed.

Shining a Light on a Deadly Lung Disorder in the Wall St. Journal.

COPD is an umbrella term for lung diseases that inflame airways, obstruct breathing and trap bad air in the lungs, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It's hardly a new disease, but its prevalence has been rising steadily, while other major causes of death have been decreasing. The increase is due largely to the fact that people are living longer and developing the disease as they age. But it is also rising in younger people and women, who are experiencing the long-term ravages of smoking even years after they quit, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke and other pollutants.

A new campaign is underway to raise awareness of COPD by encouraging people over 45 who may be at risk to get a simple breathing test.    The  spirometry test determines your lung functioning by measuring the air a person can breathe out and the time it takes to do so.

National Health Lung and Blood Institute,  COPD
Their public awareness campaign, Learn More Breathe Better

COPD Foundation