Are you at risk of COPD? It’s possible you could be suffering from COPD, the third leading cause of death in America. COPD is estimated at 24 million in the United States, with half not being diagnosed and unaware of symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and other possible causes.
COPD, a condition that affects the ability to breath and restricts airflow, is a form of lung disease. COPD is most commonly caused by smoking. However, there are other risk factors, such as frequent respiratory infections and second-hand smoke, dust, or chemicals.
COPD symptoms typically begin between 50-70 years of age.
* Frequent cough
* Cough with mucus (phlegm)
* Inability to engage in normal physical activity due to shortness of breath
* Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
* Frequent colds and nose and throat infections
“COPD occurs in both men and women regardless of ethnicity, residency and background,”Mark J. Rosen is the medical director of American College of Chest Physicians. “Recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also found that Hispanics are less likely to report symptoms of COPD than non-Hispanic whites and blacks. While education for everyone is important, emphasis within the Latino community is critical.”
Hispanics have been rapidly growing in number to become the largest minority group in the U.S. COPD can be treated early and prevented from getting worse.
The Tome Un Respiro campaign is presented by AstraZeneca, Sunovion and CHEST Foundation. It provides educational resources in Spanish that encourage the Hispanic community understand COPD symptoms, get screened, and to put together a treatment plan if necessary. Visit www.tomeunrespiro.com for more information. TomeUnRespiro.com.
While there is no cure, early detection can make a significant difference in the quality of patients’ lives. To determine if you are at risk for COPD, consult your physician.
