What are currently the most damaging and disabling respiratory diseases in US?

1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

- A group of progressive lung diseases that cause airflow limitation.

- Includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

- Fourth leading cause of death in the US.

- Affects over 16 million Americans.

2. Asthma

- A chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.

- Causes recurrent episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

- Affects over 25 million Americans.

- Most common chronic disease among children.

3. Lung cancer

- Leading cause of cancer death in the US.

- Affects over 228,000 Americans each year.

- Cigarette smoking is the leading risk factor.

4. Pneumonia

- An infection of the lungs.

- Can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

- Affects over 1 million Americans each year.

- Leading cause of death from infectious diseases.

5. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

- A life-threatening condition in which fluid accumulates in the lungs.

- Can be caused by a variety of factors, including sepsis, trauma, and pneumonia.

- Affects over 200,000 Americans each year.

- Mortality rate is approximately 40%.