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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the impact occurs earlier than we think
David Tinkelman1, Philip Corsello
1National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Objective:
To determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical utilization characteristics of the "typical" patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Study Design:
Retrospective analysis of a large dataset of patients enrolled in a disease management program for COPD.
Patients And Methods:
Patients were 2129 individuals with a diagnosis of COPD. Information was collected at the time these individuals entered the National Jewish Medical and Research Center disease management program for COPD.
Results:
The data show that the typical stereotype of a COPD patient (ie, elderly and unemployed) may not apply to a large proportion of patients already diagnosed with COPD. Almost half (49.7%) were less than 65 years old. In addition, 46.1% were employed and missed an average of 4.6 days of work in the previous 6 months.
Conclusions:
The cost of COPD to individuals and to society is increasing. Yet it is a potentially preventable and treatable disease. Early detection and intervention are essential.