November 19 is World COPD Day, and a report from the CDC shows that the number of people succumbing to COPD is rising. Surprisingly, more women are dying of COPD than men.

The report indicates that the mortality rate is highest among whites than among blacks or other races, and that the annual number of deaths among men rose 5 percent, while the number of deaths among women rose 11 percent. The overall increase in the mortality rate for both sexes was 8 percent.

The leading contender as the cause of COPD is cigarette smoking. Air pollution, chemical fumes, and occupational exposures can also play a significant role in the development of the disease, accounting for approximately 15 percent of cases. COPD causes progressive difficulty in breathing, with coughing, wheezing, chest discomfort and mucous production as its major symptoms.

The report concludes that more people need to be aware of the symptoms of COPD, and that public heath measures should focus on increasing public recognition of COPD as a major public health concern.

Related Links:

Video: Understanding COPD Disease from illumistream

CDC: Deaths from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2000-2005

What is COPD? from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute