Learn about COPD

I am a retired respiratory therapist. I worked in Spokane for 33 years. I am now the state president of the Respiratory Care Society of Washington. November is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease month.

I have notified people at The Spokesman-Review and attempted to generate some interest in submitting information regarding this tragic disease. COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung disease, which includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma and severe bronchiectasis.

The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute estimates that 12 million adults have COPD, and another 12 million are undiagnosed. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. A person with COPD dies every four minutes in the U.S. COPD costs the U.S. economy $32 billion in direct and indirect costs.

Smoking is not the only cause of COPD; secondhand smoke, occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution and genetic factors also cause COPD. COPD does not have a cure, but treatments are currently available to help individuals manage their symptoms.

Get educated and, if you smoke, think about what you are doing not only to yourself but all of the people around you. Quit. I did!

Earl Moore

Spokane