Leading Cause of Death in The USA: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

What is the third leading cause of death in the United States? How about the major cause of disability? Twelve million people are currently diagnosed and twelve million have it without even knowing (Risk factors, 2014). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, best known as COPD, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breath. Most individuals can evade this disease by simply keeping their lungs in vigorous condition. I personally know someone who is currently at the end stage of it; caring for her has given me a lot of knowledge on COPD.

COPD can lead to coughing that produces large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms (what is COPD, 2014). Smoking is the leading cause of this disease; however, there are many other reasons. Long-term exposure to other pollutants that irritate the lungs such as: air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust may contribute (what is COPD, 2014). When I say our pollution, I mean pollutants such as smoke of solid fuel used for cooking with fire or even traffic pollution (risk factors, 2012). It’s sad because some people don’t smoke but get diagnosed with COPD because they are exposed just by being around someone who does. To determine whether or not someone has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the physician begins by asking about history of smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants (stages, 2014). Other questions would be regarding one’s breathing and if they are having any difficulties with inhale and exhale. The tests done on someone would range from chest x-rays to CT scans and blood tests but they are not accurate when diagnosing a patient; however, the one procedure given that is far more reliable is a lung function test called a ...

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