What Did Barbara Bush Die Of Here’s What You Need to Know About COPD - Article Health

She reportedly had been living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, a term used to refer to a group of diseases that damage the lungs and make breathing difficult. COPD includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and some cases of asthma. It is considered the third leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 15.7 million Americans are diagnosed with COPD, and half of people with low lung function are thought to have COPD but not know it, according to the CDC, which means that the true number of Americans living with COPD may be much higher.

COPD is usually caused by smoking, but not always
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) pinpoints cigarette smoking as the leading cause of COPD but estimates that up to 25% of people with COPD never picked up a cigarette. Bush herself started smoking when she was 18 and quit in 1968, as she detailed in her 2015 memoir.

COPD symptoms are common
COPD symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest—common enough signs that might be chalked up to a cold, a cough, asthma, or simply being out of shape.

COPD doesn’t just affect the lungs
Bush was also living with congestive heart failure, which means her heart was struggling to pump enough blood throughout her body. COPD can lead to high blood pressure, which can in turn increase a person’s risk of heart disease. People with COPD are also more likely to have arthritis, depression, and memory loss, according to the CDC.

It’s never too late to quit smoking
Giving up the habit can help prevent COPD from developing in the first place. But even if you’ve already been diagnosed, it's a smart idea to quit: It can help keep symptoms at bay and slow the progression of the disease. People who stop smoking, exercise, and eat well with COPD will breathe more easily and feel better overall, according to the NHLBI.

Tweet

Article Health

Blogger who interesting to provide various tips about health. especially medicines in a natural way.

Subscribe to receive free email updates: