We are deeply grateful to those who have sacrificed for our country to protect and uphold American ideals
and freedom. We honor all military veterans today and extend a heartfelt “Thank You” for their service.
Did you know veterans face a higher risk of developing COPD?
You might be surprised to learn that:
- Veterans are 3x more likely to develop COPD than the civilian population
- COPD is the fourth most prevalent disease in the veteran population
- COPD affects approximately 15% of Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare users
In the article, Fighting for Air: Veterans Face Higher Risk for Developing Lung Diseases the author COPD Foundation founder John W. Walsh, stated that COPD is a growing health concern for military veterans. He claimed that some soldiers have faced a barrage of respiratory exposure, such as:
- Smoke from burn pits
- Aerosolized metals and chemicals
- Outdoor aeroallergens like date pollen
- Indoor aeroallergens like mold aspergillus
With these environmental hazards in mind, we urge veterans who experience COPD symptoms to get an annual “spirometry,” or breathing test.
How many veterans do we have on COPD360social? Please share your story in the comments section below!