Did you know that there are four common causes of COPD that are totally preventable? Otherwise known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD refers to a broad classification of disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and bronchiectasis. An irreversible condition, hallmark symptoms of COPD include difficulty breathing with any type of exertion and a reduction in airflow going in or coming out of the lungs.
An insidious process, COPD adopts a slow, progressive course that usually becomes symptomatic during the middle adult years and increases in severity with age. While men are more commonly diagnosed with COPD, women are steadily becoming a close runner-up.
Although there is a definite genetic component to the disease, COPD is believed to be mainly caused by cigarette smoking. Additional risk factors that contribute to its development include secondhand smoke, air pollution and occupational exposure.
It is important to note that while we cannot change our family history, we do have some control over our environment. Included below are four causes of COPD that can be prevented through lifestyle changes which will ultimately reduce the chances of you developing the disease.
The most significant risk factor for developing COPD is cigarette smoking. The American Lung Association estimates that 80% to 90% of those diagnosed are chronic smokers. The amount an individual smokes as well as how long they have been smoking can increase the probability of developing the disease and intensify its severity. Risk factors are not only prevalent in those who smoke regular cigarettes, but with pipe and cigar smokers as well.
To reduce the probability of being diagnosed with COPD, you must quit smoking all together. Many programs are available today that can assist individuals with smoking cessation, as well as stop smoking aids that can help curb cravings. See your doctor for more information.
Secondhand smoke remains a major risk factor in the development of many diseases, including COPD. According to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke causes 3,400 lung-related deaths annually. Additionally, the Surgeon General concludes that there are no risk-free levels of secondhand exposure.
If you smoke, it is important that you are aware of the danger associated with secondhand smoke. It is especially damaging to children. The best thing that you can do for someone you love is to not light up in front of them. By taking responsibility for your own behavior, you could help save a life.
Research continues to show an obvious link between poor air quality and COPD. In today's modern version of the industrial revolution, never has it been more important to be conscious of our environment and how we play a part in the role of air pollution.
The American Lung Association has used the latest research in an effort to ensure that laws are in place to protect the public health of citizens nationwide. While this recognition has led to an overall improvement in public policy over the last 5 decades, an increase in the amount of motor vehicle traffic in recent years has led to an influx of newer pollutants in the air, such as ozone and fine-particulate air pollution. Numerous epidemiological studies now show a link between these newer air pollutants and exacerbation of airway diseases such as COPD. With this in mind, improved risk assessment for those susceptible to airway disease becomes essential for healthcare workers and environmentalists alike.
American's can do their part by thinking green and joining in the fight against air pollution. If we strive for this as a nation, our world will be a better place for our future and the future of our children.
According to CHEST, (2002) "workplace exposures to coal mine dust, cotton dust, silica and grain dust are known causes of occupational COPD". Additionally, they report, "exposure to isocyanates, natural rubber latex, animal danders, platinum salts and a host of other occupational agents have been shown to initiate or aggravate asthma". As economic costs of occupational exposure annually run into the billions, greater emphasis needs to be placed on incorporating safer workplace environments for employees. Stricter laws are paramount for businesses to survive.
To do their jobs, employees need to feel safe in the workplace. This includes wearing protective equipment provided by their employer. Businesses who fail to provide protective gear should be reported. It is every employee's responsibility to be their own health and safety advocate.
The Bottom Line
The American Lung Association reports that in 2002, 11.2 million adults were diagnosed with COPD. It is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of over 120,000 Americans annually. By the year 2020, reports estimate that the disease will move up, becoming the third leading cause of death worldwide. These astonishing statistics make it extremely important to identify risk factors associated with COPD and seek early treatment if symptoms arise. Because most people are not diagnosed until they are in their late 50s, a decline in health can occur rapidly by this time. Recognizing risk factors and advocating lifestyle changes is the best way to maintain optimal health and prevent this devastating, life-threatening illness.
Sources:
Leigh, Paul J., PhD, Romano, Patrick S. MD, MPH, Schenker, Marc B, MD, MPH and Kreiss, Kathleen, MD. "Costs of Occupational COPD and Asthma". CHEST 2002 121:264-272.
COPD Fact Sheet. American Lung Association. http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=252866
Smeltzer, Suzanne C. & Bare, Brenda, G. (1996). Brunnuer and Suddarth's Testbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (8th Edition). Pennsylvania, PA: Lipponcott-Raven Publishers.
