More than 11 million Americans live with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a lung disease that makes it difficult to breathe. The Centers for Disease Control reported a 5 percent COPD prevalence rate in Wisconsin.
According to the WHA Information Center, in 2016, there were 9,370 inpatient admissions related to COPD, including 11,251 emergency room visits, to Wisconsin hospitals.
From chronic cough and shortness of breath to fatigue and wheezing, life is difficult with COPD. COPD is the third-leading cause of death in the U.S. (after cancer and heart disease). But, the good news is COPD is often preventable and treatable, with options that include medication, pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity training and oxygen treatment.
Data provided by the WHA Information Center (WHAIC). WHAIC is dedicated to collecting, analyzing and disseminating complete, accurate and timely data and reports about charges, utilization, quality and efficiency provided by Wisconsin hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and other health care providers.