American Lung Association of Arizona

COPD
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and the third leading cause of death in Arizona. There are an estimated 278,000 people in Arizona with COPD. Each year in the United States, COPD is responsible for over 100,000 deaths, 500,000 hospitalizations, and 14 million doctor office visits at a cost of more than $15 billion. COPD is the only major disease that is rising in prevalence and mortality while all other major causes of death are declining.

Early Detection
With our Breathe Free program, the American Lung Association will begin to identify those individuals at risk for COPD by conducting early detection screenings utilizing spirometry in five counties with high rates of COPD mortality in Arizona. For more information, see www.breatheeasyaz.org. In addition, the program will consist of patient and provider education aimed at improving the quality of life for those afflicted, increasing awareness of the use of spirometry for early detection and screening, and increasing awareness of interventions aimed at high-risk behavior associated with the disease such as smoking. Individuals at risk for COPD who are smokers will be referred to cessation services.

To show the importance of early detection, here are two examples of people who were screened:

The first is a young woman in her 20's who smoked. When we tested her, she had an abnormal test and it showed her lung age being 60 years old. On follow up she said she quit smoking THAT day, and has not smoked since.

Another woman took her printout to her doctor and showed it to him and said she was having trouble breathing. He took a chest x-ray and called her into his office. She has lung cancer. She's about 1/2 way through her chemo and is so grateful that she got tested or she might not have been diagnosed yet.

What is COPD?

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term used to describe the airflow obstruction that is associated with emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

COPD diagnosis usually occurs when patients are in their late 50’s and 60’s once lung function has declined and the quality of life has rapidly deteriorated.

COPD is treatable, but there is no cure for the disease

COPD sufferers may eventually require supplemental oxygen and/or machines to assist with breathing

In adults, early intervention following early identification of abnormal spirometry can lead to smoking cessation, occupational vocational, or environmental changes.

COPD in Arizona

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), deaths in Arizona due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ranked 3 rd in 2002.

COPD accounted for 6% of all Arizona deaths in 2002

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Morbidity and Mortality report, Arizona is among the states ranked highest for COPD deaths

Other COPD pages:
Breathe Free program
Upcoming COPD events
Better Breathers Support Group