November is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month. COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes it very difficult for people to breathe. Currently about 16 million adults are diagnosed with this disease, however millions more may be undiagnosed. The total number of people with COPD is estimated to be 300 million people around the globe.
Smoking is the main cause of COPD, but other factors like exposure to secondhand smoke, dust, fumes and environmental smoke (such as smoke from burning wood, charcoal, crop residue) can contribute to developing this disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, or a chronic cough.
While many are not diagnosed with COPD until age 40 or later, early signs of COPD can be found in adults as young as 20 years old. Early diagnosis and treatment can help people with COPD improve their quality of life and health.
Contact us at bd@gctrials.com to learn more about GCT’s experience in COPD studies and clinical trials.