Spike in progressive lung disease cases set to overwhelm healthcare system: UBC

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – UBC researchers are warning an epidemic is on the way that could overwhelm our healthcare system within about 20 years.

It’s called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is associated with smoking, air pollution, and age.

Dr. Mohsen Sadatsafavi with UBC says it’s already one of the leading causes of hospitalization in Canada. “We predict that more than 150 per cent increase in different aspects of the disease from the number of COD patients to the total number of days patients will be in the hospital.”

And while smoking rates are on the decline, the disease is showing no signs of slowing down. “So I would say this is mainly population, aging and growth in British Columbia that is causing the significant increase in the burden.”

He notes the numbers are expected to jump by over 200 per cent for seniors over 75. “We need to pay more attention to this disease. It is good for our patients, and it is good for our healthcare system.”

To predict future rates, researchers combined population statistics and health data for the entire province.

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