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COPD & Lung Health
The American Lung Association sponsors education, research and support groups, advocates for people who need to travel with oxygen, and trains medical professionals on the latest treatment techniques and developments.
We recognize the importance of learning all you can about your lung disease and provide information about a variety of ways to help you educate yourself and your family and friends.
Written information is available through the links provided, our airLINES newsletter for MN residents or the new communication tipsheet developed by our Better Breather Support Group members.
Education and support are also provided through our ALAMN monthly support groups and the Annual Respiratory Rally. Information about additional support groups and pulmonary rehab programs in MN are also listed.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a term referring to two lung diseases,
chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that are characterized by obstruction to
airflow that interferes with normal breathing. Both of these conditions frequently co-exist,
hence physicians prefer the term COPD. It does not include other obstructive diseases such as
asthma. There are 16 million Americans who have been diagnosed with COPD, of whom
14 million have chronic bronchitis and 2 million have emphysema. COPD is the 4th leading
cause of death in the United States.
In technical terms, COPD is a slowly progressive disease that is characterized by a
decrease in the ability of the lungs to maintain the body's oxygen supply and remove
carbon dioxide. Nearly 90 percent of COPD cases are directly linked to smoking.
To help people with COPD determine the best course of treatment for them, the American
Lung Association has an online COPD NEXPofilerthat can help answer questions and provide
a personalized treatment options report tailored to your diagnosis. The American Lung
Association also sponsors COPD education, research and support groups, advocates for people
who need to travel with oxygen, and trains medical professionals on the latest COPD
treatment techniques and developments.
Minnesota COPD Coalition
The American Lung Association of Minnesota has launched the Minnesota COPD Coalition. Our vision is to improve the health outcomes of patients with COPD by working with patients, caregivers, and the health care community to increase awareness, increase early diagnosis, and improve treatment and management.
Our Leadership Team has prioritized four areas to focus on and the following workgroups have been formed:
- Public Awareness
- Assessment & Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
If you are interested in participating in one of these workgroups, please contact Cheryl Sasse at 651-223-9565 or Cheryl.sasse@alamn.org.
Educational and reference resources are available for health care professionals and patients
- Minnesota COPD Coalition Strategic Action Plan 2009-2010
- Minnesota COPD Summit Summary November 2007 & Plan
- Minnesota COPD Summit Summary November 2004 & Plan
Minnesota and COPD: Leading the Nation Report
 A joint report released today by the American Lung Association of Minnesota and the Minnesota COPD Coalition shows that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is sending more Minnesotans to the hospital, and may be contributing to rising health care costs across in the state. The report has some sobering findings on a condition that is now the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. Some of the key points:
- In 2006, 1,760 Minnesotans aged 45 and older died of COPD
- From 1996 to 2007, emergency department visits due to COPD increased 250%
- While males have a higher rate of death due to COPD, females are quickly closing the gap
- The average cost of hospitalization for COPD is high: $18,975, excluding professional fees.
While the report includes some alarming statistics on the scope of COPD in Minnesota, the state is considered to be in the forefront of research, training and education on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Minnesota COPD Coalition was the first of its kind in the nation, and has already held two statewide Summits (another is scheduled to be held Dec. 2 in Roseville, Minn.) on COPD care, pulmonary rehabilitation and patient and caregiver education.
Click here to download the full report.
The American Lung Association is a partner in the national awareness
campaign launched by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) on January 18, 2007 - Learn More Breathe Better.
The Campaign Goals are to increase awareness of COPD as a serious lung disease-the 4th leading cause of death in the U.S., to increase understanding that COPD is treatable and to encourage people at risk to get a simple breathing test and talk to their doctors about treatment options.
The campaign is for men and women over age 45
- especially those who smoke or have smoked
- those with risk associated with genetics or environmental exposures.
- people who have been diagnosed with COPD and
- Health care providers, particularly those in the primary care setting
Two fact sheets have been developed as part of this campaign:
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