In the United States, there are more than 24 million people who currently suffer from COPD, or according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6.3% of the US population.
COPD is a disease that does not discriminate. Though there were notable trends identified in the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data that the CDC analyzed (such as smokers and lower-income individuals being more susceptible to developing COPD), the key point is that a COPD diagnosis can happen to anyone.
There are five states, however, where COPD prevalence is alarmingly high relative to the national average of 6.3%. These states are:
- Kentucky 9.3% of the surveyed population.
- Alabama 9.1%
- Tennessee 8.7%
- West Virginia 8%
- Oklahoma 8%
Researchers have studies that would back the idea that smoking is a big risk factor, and other factors like age, genetics, and certain occupational chemical or dust exposure can play a role in a person developing COPD.
I’m surprised SC was not in that list. It seems like I see people smoking everywhere and E cigs should be considered a COPD link