April 8th, 2010

COPD – Undiagnosed Patients with COPD Around 70% Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an incurable disease that affects the lungs and strains breathing efforts.  The disease is most popular among heavy smokers, and it is often undiagnosed.  The lung disease is very common, progressive, and incurable.  Even for ex-smokers, most of the damage caused to the lungs is irreversible when COPD is present.  More people, especially smokers, should be screened for the disease.

Researchers studying those with known risk factors recently found that approximately 10% of people over 40 are affected by the disease.  Although test results suggested 20% of the people tested positive for a diagnosis of COPD, only 30% of those had a previous diagnosis or even a suggestion for a diagnosis.  Since all of these participants had two major risk factors for COPD, the indication that so many of these people were undiagnosed is troubling to say the least.

As with every disease, early detection will result in better treatment options now and in the future with cheaper costs in the long run.  COPD can be caused by heavy smoking, exposure to pollution, chemicals or even dust.

Some of the most common symptoms of COPD include: wheezing and coughing, especially accompanied by mucus discharge, feeling of heaviness or tightening in the chest and the feeling of suffocation – like you can’t get enough air.  If you are having these, or other similar symptoms, you should see your doctor.

Source:

USA Today

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