Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of lung diseases that block airflow and cause breathing problems. COPD is a leading cause of morbidity (illness) and mortality (death).
Each year, about 151,000 hospitalizations and 142,000 deaths occur in the United States. In 2023, approximately 11.1 million U.S. adults were living with COPD. It is possible millions more may have COPD without knowing it.
In Massachusetts, COPD is among the top ten reasons for hospital admission. In 2022, there were 8,793 hospitalizations and over 20,600 emergency department (ED) visits due to COPD.
You can use the display to review COPD hospitalization or ED rates for any city or town in Massachusetts.
What is COPD?
COPD refers to a group of lung diseases that block the flow of air in the lungs and make breathing difficult. This includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. COPD is a chronic (long-term) disease that gets worse over time. Early detection of COPD is key to successful treatment.
Over time, exposure to irritants that damage your lungs and airways can cause COPD. Although smoking is the main cause of COPD, nonsmokers can also get COPD.
Why does MA EPHT track COPD?
MA EPHT tracks ED visits and hospitalizations for COPD. Tracking allows us to look at how rates of COPD change over time and differ based on geography and demographics. It also allows us to identify high-risk groups and better understand the causes of the disease.
For example, smoking is the main cause of COPD but an increasing number of studies show an association with indoor and outdoor air pollution. This suggests that environmental causes could be driving a percentage of COPD cases. Communities burdened by unhealthy air may be at greater risk for developing COPD.
Similarly, those with COPD are likely to be impacted as the number of days over 90°F is expected to increase each year. This is because heat and humidity can affect a person’s breathing. This information can be used for education and interventions to enhance prevention.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
Common symptoms of COPD include:
- Constant coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Inability to breathe easily
- Wheezing
- Excess mucus production
To learn more about COPD and how to get tested, visit the American Lung Association webpage on diagnosing COPD.
Who is at risk for COPD?
Health
Approximately 85-90% of COPD diagnoses are attributed to tobacco smoke. Are you a smoker looking to quit? Find resources for quitting from the MA Tobacco Cessation Program.
A history of asthma may increase the risk of developing COPD. Genetics can also increase the risk of COPD. For example, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare and inherited condition that affects the body’s ability to produce a protein that protects the lungs. Unprotected, the lungs and airways may be more susceptible to damage.
Environmental exposures
Long-term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, dust, fumes, and chemicals (which are often work-related) can cause COPD.
Work–related exposures
Workplace exposures account for 15% of COPD diagnoses. Individuals who clean homes, work with asbestos, or operate heavy machinery may be at higher risk for COPD. Farm workers, mechanics, non-construction laborers, and steel workers may also be at higher risk.
COPD also affects a person’s ability to work. Only 39% of Massachusetts adults over age 40 who have COPD are employed.
Social factors
Our health is impacted by the social determinants of health (SDoH). These are the social, economic, and physical factors where we work, live and play.
Rates of COPD are higher among adults with less than a high school education, people of color, and people with lower household incomes. These groups are more likely to live in neighborhoods with air pollution and have homes closer to high-trafficked roads. Also, tobacco companies often target their advertising toward communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. In fact, research has found a higher density of tobacco retailers in low-income neighborhoods. All of this can increase the chance of developing COPD.
Other factors
COPD affects women differently than men. Women tend to be diagnosed with COPD at a later stage and may be more vulnerable to the health effects of smoking and other indoor air pollutants.
How can you prevent COPD?
According to the American Lung Association, COPD is often preventable and treatable. COPD may be prevented by:
- Encouraging current smokers to quit
- Discouraging teenagers and young adults from using tobacco
- Supporting local regulations that restrict secondhand smoke and reduce access to tobacco products
- Reducing exposure to dusts and chemicals at work
- Reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants
- Treating and controlling asthma early
Available data
Use the Explore COPD Hospitalization Data link on this page to access the following measures for COPD:
- Annual number of hospitalizations / ED visits
- Annual crude rate per 100,000 population
- Annual age-adjusted rate per 100,000 population
- Explore data in tables, charts, and maps
MA EPHT presents case counts and crude rates on COPD emergency department and hospital admissions for the following geographies: city/town, county, EP region, EOHHS region, and statewide. Measures are offered by a combination of year, age group, and sex. The most current available data is shown. Be sure to check the site periodically as new data is added. To protect privacy, no information is shown that could potentially identify an individual.
Related links
Additional resources
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program: Information and resources to reduce tobacco and nicotine use
- DPH/BCEH Logan Airport Health Study: Information on the respiratory and cardiovascular health impacts of Logan Airport on residents of 17 communities located within a 5-mile radius of the airport (May 2017)
National
- COPD National Action Plan: A comprehensive framework for action by those affected by COPD and those who care about reducing its burden
- American Lung Association: Information on COPD causes, treatments, and symptom management for patients, caregivers, and health care providers
- National Institute of Health (NIH) COPD Learn More Breathe Better Program: Educational resources to increase COPD awareness and understanding