COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. COPD is the third leading cause of death in the U.S., with more than 15 million people currently living with the disease, according to the American Lung Association.
Many people who have COPD suffer from hypercapnia, the retention of carbon dioxide — a waste product of metabolism normally expelled by the lungs as a person breathes. This may lead to acute respiratory failure and hospitalization. One treatment for chronic hypercapnia is noninvasive ventilation, or a machine with a mask that helps to improve breathing.
Hi 2greys, actually here in the U.S. the all encompassing COPD....oh...so many lung diseases. We have by 2018 records moved down to number 4, not a big jump down, but a jump none the less. Those 15 million that know they have a lung disease, I always wonder, how many people are there really, as many never, ever know.
Thank you so much for all the information, you are a valuable resource. Much appreciated.
P.S. funny my number 4 cause The Ohio State University, Wexner...lol
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