COPD Could Affect 1 in 4 People in N. America

Canadian researchers have quantified the lifetime risk of developing chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) in a representative North American population; they’ve reported their findings in the Lancet.

The Province of Ontario has roughly 13 million people, who formed the population of this study.  All individuals under 80 who were free of COPD in 1996 were monitored for up to 14 years.  They were classified by three outcomes: a diagnosis of COPD by a physician, reaching the age of 80, or death.  

The overall lifetime risk of developing COPD was 27.6% - more than 1 in 4 people.  Men had a slightly greater risk than women (29.7% vs. 25.6%) and lower socioeconomic status carried a higher risk than a higher status (32.1% vs. 23%). Surprisingly, living in the country was more risky than living in the town (32.4% vs. 26.7%).

The authors of the study point out that the lifetime risk of COPD about twice that of developing congestive heart failure, 3-4 times greater than having a heart attack, breast cancer, or prostate cancer. 

The main cause of COPD is cigarette smoking.  Long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust, may also play a role.  The relentless progression of the condition makes it vital to encourage smokers to quit and to reduce air pollution. The high frequency shown in this study cries out for more attention to be paid to prevention, early diagnosis, and new methods of treatment.