Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) refers to a group of diseases. Examples of diseases classified as COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The diseases in this group block airflow and cause breathing-related problems. In 2023, approximately 11.1 million adults in the United States are living with COPD. COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, resulting in 151,000 hospitalizations2 and 142,000 deaths. 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 due to COPD. Smoking and secondhand smoke are risk factors for COPD. Breathing in indoor and outdoor air pollutants can also increase risk. Adults living with low income or who have less than a high school education are more likely to have COPD. They may also be more likely to have limited access to healthcare. This can affect their ability to be diagnosed and receive treatment. People in this situation may also be more likely to go to the hospital for the condition.
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 chronic diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which affect the flow of air in the lungs and make breathing difficult. COPD is a chronic lung 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 the main cause of COPD is smoking, nonsmokers can also get COPD.
What are the signs and symptoms of COPD?
COPD can present as:
- Constant coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Inability to breath easily
- Wheezing
- Excess mucus production
To learn more about COPD and how to get tested, visit the American Lung Association – How is COPD diagnosed?
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 – 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
Occupational exposures account for 15% of COPD diagnoses. Those who clean homes, farm workers, mechanics and repair workers, non-construction laborers, steel workers, those who have or do work with asbestos, and those who operate heavy machinery, among others, may be at an elevated occupational risk COPD also affects a person’s ability to work. Only 39% of adults over 40 in Massachusetts with 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.
The cases 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 higher air pollution. They also have homes closer to high-trafficked roads. All of this can increase the chance of developing COPD.
However, most COPD diagnoses are attributed to tobacco smoke. 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.
Other factors
COPD affects women differently than men. Women tend to be diagnosed with COPD at a later stage and are more vulnerable to the health effects of smoking and other indoor air pollutants.
The American Lung Association's COPD page has excellent information on COPD causes, treatments, and symptom management.
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 tobacco use
- Supporting local regulations that restrict secondhand smoke and reduced access to tobacco products
- Reducing exposure to dusts and chemicals at work
- Reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants
- Early treatment and control of asthma
Why does MA EPHT track COPD?
MA EPHT tracks emergency department visits and hospitalizations for COPD. Tracking allows us to better understand how rates of the disease change over time and differ based on geography, age, and gender. It also allows us to understand the causes of the disease.
Smoking is the main cause of COPD. However, 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 exposure are at greater risk for developing COPD.
Climate change is expected to increase the number of days over 90°F each year. Heat and humidity can affect a person’s breathing, especially people with COPD.
COPD hospital and ED visits can be used to assess the burden of COPD on populations affected. It allows us to identify high-risk groups and enhance prevention. The information can also be used for education and other interventions.
Available data
Use the Explore COPD Data link on this page to access the following measures for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder:
- 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 each year. To protect privacy, no information is shown that could identify an individual.
Additional resources
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program: Information on tobacco use prevention.
- 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).
- Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program: Information on tobacco use prevention.
National
- COPD National Action Plan: Provides a comprehensive framework for action by those affected by COPD and those who care about reducing its burden.
- American Lung Association Leading organization working to improve lung health and prevent lung disease.
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute COPD Learn More Breath Better ® Program: Information to increase COPD awareness and reach people who have been diagnosed with COPD as well as health care providers.