According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma. COPD, was the third leading cause of death in the United States in 2011. Connecticut chronic lower respiratory disease death rate has decreased from 39.8 in 2000 to 22.8 in 2021 (provisional data) per 100,000 population, and it is lower than the national death rate of 46.4 per 100,000 population in 2021 (National Vital Statistics System).

These data are current as of February 2023. New data are expected by spring of 2024.

Connecticut Department of Public Health; Connecticut Department of Social Services; Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development; Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection; State Department of Education; Connecticut Department of Children and Families; State Legislature; local public health agencies; health care providers including pediatricians and thoracic specialists, community health centers, and hospitals; health professional associations; pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies; health insurers; American Lung Association and Thoracic Society; other organizations and coalitions focused on health and the environment; community service providers; philanthropic and research organizations that address asthma and respiratory diseases; schools of public health, allied health, nursing, and medicine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in order to prevent COPD it is important to avoid inhaling tobacco smoke, home and workplace air pollutants, and respiratory infections. A simple test called spirometry should be performed on all patients suspected of COPD to confirm the diagnosis and assess lung function. Guideline-based management and treatment for COPD can alleviate symptoms, decrease the frequency and severity of exacerbations, and increase exercise tolerance. Effective interventions include smoking cessation and avoidance of other pollutants and symptom management with appropriate medications. Certain patients with COPD may also benefit from supplementary oxygen and pulmonary rehabilitation. All persons with COPD should be up to date on their vaccinations, particularly the yearly influenza vaccine. (http://www.cdc.gov/copd/index.html)

Conduct outreach with public and providers to promote pneumovax vaccine utilization among at-risk populations, especially adults age 50+.

Work with medical/healthcare workers to enhance efforts toward achieving universal influenza vaccination.

Implement evidence-based, comprehensive programs (patient self-management, environmental assessment, and remediation at home, at school, and in the workplace; e.g., Putting on Airs, Tools for Schools, Healthy Homes).