About Lung Disease

Our lungs work well despite the daily onslaught of pollution, smoke, and germs. 
Some common conditions include:

• Asthma: A disease of the respiratory system, the lungs, and the system of air tubes that lead to them. It is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the tiny air passageways in the lungs (bronchioles) to become narrowed when they react to something in the environment. 
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): It includes both emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Facts and Figures

• Lung disease is now the third leading cause of death.
• Tobacco use in Minnesota kills 6,400 Minnesotans each year and costs the state's economy at least $1.3 billion a year in health care costs and lost income. 
• An estimated 97,000 Minnesota youth are projected to die prematurely from smoking.
• The Environmental Protection Agency lists poor indoor air quality as the fourth largest environmental threat to our country.
• There are an estimated 40 million individuals in the United States who are affected by allergies.
• Asthma now costs us about $12.7 billion a year for health care. 
• Asthma accounts for three million lost school days each year.