COPD is characterized by damage to the lungs and airways, which reduces air flow in the lungs. Symptoms include heavy coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of COPD, though other lung irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes and dust may also contribute.
Genetic factors can also contribute to COPD.
- In 2014, one in twenty Connecticut adults had been told they had COPD.
- Adults in low-income households, earning less than $35,000 annually had almost twice the risk of those in households earning $35,000- $74,999 annually and nearly four times the risk of those in households earning at least $75,000.
- Adults with disabilities had more than four times the risk of adults without disabilities.
Additional information on COPD in Connecticut is available here: 2014 CT COPD BRFSS Report
COPD Information and Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html
National Institutes of Health:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/
Quitting Tobacco Resources: click here