Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is also called chronic obstructive lung disease. This is a term that is used for two closely related diseases of the respiratory system: chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S. This disease usually affects people who are 50 years old and up.
Causes of COPD:
- Cigarette smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD
- Other risk factors include:
o Age
o Heredity
o Exposure to air pollution at work and in the environment
o A history of childhood respiratory infections
- Living in low socioeconomic conditions also seems to be a contributing factor.
Preventative Actions:
Don’t Smoke!!!
