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Epidemiological Analysis – COPD
Chamberlain University: Nurse Practitioner Track
NR 503 Population Health, Epidemiology, & Statistical Principles
, 2
Epidemiological Analysis Introduction – COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also referred to as COPD, is a
group of breathing-related conditions that cause blockage of airflow and include
emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The Centers for Disease Control (2023) estimates
over 30 million Americans suffer from the effects of COPD with millions more
undiagnosed. In Kansas, the prevalence rate is 5.9%, the incidence is 139,100 with new
diagnoses, a death rate of 48.2 per 100,000, and an overall cost of 331 million for yearly
treatment (COPD Foundation, 2020). Signs and symptoms of COPD include chest
tightness and wheezing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, mucus production, fatigue,
and respiratory infections. Certain environmental and physical conditions can cause an
exacerbation of symptoms and people who suffer from COPD will be limited in some of
their activities. While there is no cure for this disease, it is highly treatable with
medications and respiratory therapy and can be managed while drastically improving
one's quality of life with proper intervention. Prevention is key and can be achieved with
proper education and should start with teaching children about the dangers of smoking.
With the tools we have available today, there is hope the rates for COPD will steadily
decline as this disease can be greatly diminished with intervention.
Background of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an illness of the lungs due to
inflammation that creates restricted airflow with symptoms that include shortness of
breath, coughing, mucus production, and wheezing (CDC, 2023). COPD often occurs due
to prolonged exposure to irritants that damage the airways and lungs such as smoking
Epidemiological Analysis – COPD
Chamberlain University: Nurse Practitioner Track
NR 503 Population Health, Epidemiology, & Statistical Principles
, 2
Epidemiological Analysis Introduction – COPD
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also referred to as COPD, is a
group of breathing-related conditions that cause blockage of airflow and include
emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The Centers for Disease Control (2023) estimates
over 30 million Americans suffer from the effects of COPD with millions more
undiagnosed. In Kansas, the prevalence rate is 5.9%, the incidence is 139,100 with new
diagnoses, a death rate of 48.2 per 100,000, and an overall cost of 331 million for yearly
treatment (COPD Foundation, 2020). Signs and symptoms of COPD include chest
tightness and wheezing, shortness of breath, chronic cough, mucus production, fatigue,
and respiratory infections. Certain environmental and physical conditions can cause an
exacerbation of symptoms and people who suffer from COPD will be limited in some of
their activities. While there is no cure for this disease, it is highly treatable with
medications and respiratory therapy and can be managed while drastically improving
one's quality of life with proper intervention. Prevention is key and can be achieved with
proper education and should start with teaching children about the dangers of smoking.
With the tools we have available today, there is hope the rates for COPD will steadily
decline as this disease can be greatly diminished with intervention.
Background of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an illness of the lungs due to
inflammation that creates restricted airflow with symptoms that include shortness of
breath, coughing, mucus production, and wheezing (CDC, 2023). COPD often occurs due
to prolonged exposure to irritants that damage the airways and lungs such as smoking
