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. About 5.1% of Connecticut adults surveyed in a 2015 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey reported having been told by a health care professional that they have COPD. The rate of COPD hospitalization among Connecticut adults has seen a general increase since 2000, peaking in 2009 at 303.5 per 100,000 population. Since then COPD hospitalization rate has decreased to 236.5 per 100,000 population in 2015.

Data Notes: The 2015 hospitalization tables cover the 9 months between January and September 2015 during which the ICD-9-CM diagnostic codes were used. Beginning in October 2015, hospitals are required to use ICD-10 diagnostic codes. The substantial differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10 coding systems preclude finding one-to-one correspondence for most conditions, and it creates a large discontinuity in reporting. Therefore the 2015 rate does not include data for October to December 2015. Rates were adjusted by multiplying the 2015 overall and age, sex, and race/ethnicity specific populations in Connecticut by 9/12.

These data are current as of June 2019.

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)

Enhance community awareness and understanding of the effects of poor air quality days on health. (See ENV-5)

Implement evidence-based, comprehensive asthma 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).

Identify and utilize comprehensive (e.g., counseling and Rx), culturally appropriate smoking cessation/prevention programs in community and workplace settings, especially in urban areas.

Establish mechanisms to reimburse smoking cessation programs in practice and community settings.