This blog is not simply an article. It is an alert as the Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists reach out to communities concerning COPD. We feel obligated to warn you about the findings of 
a 2015 study by Health Union.
They have presented a new national survey of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Among other findings, they include:
1. An alarming “lack of awareness of risk factors:” Many patients who smoke are in denial of the risks they are taking.
They walk a on a high wire of statistics, increasing their risks of lung disease by three times.
2. A startling misunderstanding of the stages of diagnosis. Find out more about the stages of COPD at this useful online resource.
3. The General Public is surprised at the severity of COPD. FLASS hopes to impress upon friends, patients, families and blog readers that COPD can have a brutal impact on your quality of life.
You can discover more about the symptoms of this disease at the Mayo clinic online resource. The price for ignorance of the severity of this disease can rob you of your employment, and progressively deprive you ability to afford treatment. Visit here to find out more about the signs and symptoms of this disease at one of our FLASS online articles.
COPD: New Facts-and the Old
In the first place, the doctors and staff at FLASS have seen many patients and family members express shock at the number of deaths caused by COPD. We are spreading the word that this is the “third most common cause of death in the United States.”
You can learn more basic facts and some user-friendly videos and info-grams at this authoritative online resource.
We also want you to be aware that this disease severely impacts the respiration of 15 million people in the United States. If you do the math, that is actually 6 per cent of the population. If you
look at the big picture, the disease affects over 65 million human beings around the world.
The study showed that only “38% of the respondents were aware of COPD or its risk factors prior to their diagnosis. Almost one-third did not know their initial or current diagnosis stage.”
At FLASS we are very patient centered, and we seek to educate our patients about their lung disease and the prevention of lung disease in general. In spite of our efforts as well as the efforts of many of our colleagues, the study showed, “At diagnosis about two-thirds wished they knew more about the potential impact of COPD and how to stop or slow down its progression.”
Leon C. Lebowitz, respiratory therapist and COPD.net moderator, recently stated, “I think if asked, most people actually realize that smoking causes disease. However, the survey reveals that important information about the variety and severity of these types of disease is not reaching those at risk for COPD.”
He also stated, “When armed with information, patients do take steps to change their lives. The survey shows that post diagnosis 68% of those that were current smokers quit and an additional 15% were trying to quit smoking. That’s huge.”
More Startling COPD Statistics
The percentage of COPD patient-respondents to the study who stated they were unable to continue their normal life activities is a jaw-dropping 87 percent.
Likewise, 32% admitted to needing “some form of help from a caregiver.”
Additionally, the patients reported high incidences of “respiratory infections, high blood pressure, and depression.”
Do you think COPD will allow you to continue your career or permit you to keep on doing the job you love? Here is the eye-popping fact: “Only 15 percent of survey respondents reported they are working full time.” Moreover 28 percent of them reported they were on disability. Problems with COPD forced 40 per cent of the researched patients to retire.
If you or someone you love is consistently demonstrating these symptoms, we recommend they make an appointment with their doctor.
A. Unexplained shortness of breath during everyday activities (78% of the study group reported this sign.)
B. Unusual difficulty catching breath (74% of the study group experience this, every day.),
C. and fatigue/lack of energy (69% of the respondants indicated this symptom).
“COPD and the accompanying breathing difficulties can make everyday physical activities like walking and even talking extremely difficult.”
Use Your Influence
Once again, the doctors and staff of Florida Lung, Asthma and Sleep Specialists to utilize these eye-popping, jaw-dropping, mind-boggling facts and resources to arouse shock and awe in friends and family who exhibit symptoms. Early treatment is critical to learning to live with COPD. Find out the physical impact of COPD–before it is too late.
