OHIO — Lung cancer isn't the only health condition caused by tobacco. Nearly 12.5 million American adults suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the American Lung Association, Ohio is among the 11 states with the highest prevalence.

What You Need To Know

  • Ohio is one of 11 states with the highest rates of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

  • Smoking is one of the main causes of COPD

  • The disease is treatable and experts encourage individuals to seek medical attention if they think they have it

COPD is impacting Ohioans all across the state. Dr. Bobby Mahajan with American Lung Association said most people get it from smoking.

“Smoke inhalation causes small injury to the little airways and a little air sacs in the lung. And as a result, it makes it more difficult to breathe,” said Mahajan. “Ohio does have a higher smoking incidence, so people do smoke and it's not just something within cities. There are a lot of people in rural areas which Ohio has a lot of with regards to heavy smoking."

As for telltale signs, Mahajan said people who have it usually have trouble doing daily tasks. 

“If you're going up the stairs and you're having trouble doing that and you didn't have trouble before talking to your physician about that,” he said. “Because there are tests that can determine if you do have COPD.”

There are treatment options if you have it. Quitting smoking and pulmonary rehabilitation are just some methods.

“The other types of treatments are inhalers or medications that can help improve breathing by getting rid of some of that trapped air that occurs in their lungs from COPD,” he said. “And those are typically breathing tests like spirometry or pulmonary function tests."

But if it’s left untreated, that’s when more problems could persist. COPD can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and even diabetes. In Ohio, nearly 300 people die every year from it. That’s why the American Lung Association said it’s so important that you seek medical attention as soon as you suspect you have it.  

They really should talk to the physician, get testing and that could determine if COPD is present so they can be treated early and progression doesn't occur.

Smoking isn’t the only cause of the disease, though. The American Lung Association says air pollution can cause it, and it also can be genetic.