American Lung Association of Colorado

COPD - Colorado's Hidden Health Crisis

Denver, Colorado - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now the fourth leading cause of death in Colorado and it affects more than 400,000 Coloradoans. This preventable disease results in 4,000-6,000 hospitalizations each year and patients spend more than $70 million annually fighting it. More than 1,700 Coloradans have died each year since 1998, 24 million nationally, and the number of deaths per year is on the rise.

COPD occurs when the tubes allowing air in and out of the lungs are partially blocked. This makes breathing very difficult. The majority of those affected by COPD are former and current smokers. While most other major causes of death - heart disease, cancer - have been decreasing, deaths from COPD continue to be on the rise. It is expected that by 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Despite the overwhelming burden of this disease, few people know what COPD is and if they are at risk for developing it. A recent poll by the American Lung Association of Colorado found that only a quarter of Coloradans surveyed knew that COPD was the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. Colorado COPD Coalition Manager, Keith Breese, says, "Public education about COPD is essential in battling this endemic health crisis, if we are to change the tide on COPD."

The Colorado COPD Coalition, a coalition of medical professionals, research scientists, industry representatives and people living with COPD and their caregivers, was formed by the American Lung Association of Colorado with a grant from the Colorado Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease Grant Program (CCPD) at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The Colorado COPD Coalition is currently working on a COPD state plan, the first of its kind in the nation, and will be releasing a Colorado COPD Surveillance Report in February detailing the prevalence of COPD in Colorado.

On January 18th, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) will launch its nation wide COPD awareness campaign with the goal of educating those are risk for developing COPD about the symptoms of this disease.

About the American Lung Association of Colorado

For nearly 100 years, the American Lung Association of Colorado has been the lead organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association of Colorado funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association of Colorado is “Improving life, one breath at a time.” For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or log on to www.lungcolorado.org.