Asthma & COPD

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are significant public health burdens. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by episodes of reversible breathing problems due to swelling, and narrowing of the bronchial tubes (airways). The main symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. A recent study states that, more than 23 million people have Asthma, and approximately 13.6 million people have been diagnosed with COPD in United States. The burden of pulmonary diseases affects schools, workplaces, neighbourhoods, individuals, cities, and states. In United States the fourth leading cause of death is COPD. In the year of 2006 approximately 120,000 people died from COPD, and near to that number reported for lung cancer deaths. Following are 10 Worst Cities for Asthma (2009), Little Rock, Atlanta, McAllen, Knoxville, Memphis, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Birmingham, Milwaukee, and Louis. The prevalence of asthma has increased since 1980. However, deaths from asthma have decreased since the mid-1990s. Both genetic and environmental factors strongly influence the cause of COPD and asthma. Risk factors for asthma currently being investigated include: • Having a parent with asthma • Sensitization to irritants and allergens • Respiratory infections in childhood • Overweight Journal of Pulmonary & Respiratory Medicine welcome articles related to "Asthma & COPD"

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Last date updated on April, 2024