Louisiana Ranks Among Worst States for Smoking and COPD
(KMDL-FM) - A new study is out regarding America's best states for lung health, including rates of chronic pulmonary disease (COPD), since smoking remains the leading cause.
Unfortunately, Louisiana didn't fare well in either category.
How Louisiana Ranks in Smoking and COPD
The data, put together by home medical bed specialists Opera Beds, revealed that Louisiana has the 5th most smokers in the United States and the 5th highest COPD rate.
The research showed that approximately 15.70% of adults in Louisiana smoke. Of those smokers, 57.1% previously tried to quit for a day or more in a year. Nationally, an average of 54.5% of smokers tried to quit in the same period.
On average, the national percentage of adults who smoke is 12.6%.
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Top States With the Most Smokers
Here are the top 5 states with the most smokers:
- West Virginia - 20.4% (12.6% COPD Rate)
- Kentucky - 17.4% (10.9% COPD Rate)
- Tennessee - 17% (10.2% COPD Rate)
- Oklahoma - 15.8% (7.9% COPD Rate)
- Louisiana - 15.7% (8.7% COPD Rate)
The State With the Best Lung Health
The state that has the lowest adult smoking rate in the US, at just 6%, and also the lowest COPD rate in the country, at 3.7%, is Utah.
Why COPD Is Such a Concern in Louisiana
Overall, COPD affects more than 14 million adults in the US. The condition can cause a symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest infections, wheezing, and chronic cough.
What Factors Worsen Lung Health in the South
Many things, such as exposure to certain fumes, chemicals, or air pollution, can cause or worsen COPD. Humidity and temperature can also play a big part. High humidity and temperatures, which we of course have in Louisiana, can often irritate the airways and make it harder for the lungs to function correctly.
To see the complete report regarding lung health by state and COPD in the US, click here.
You Know You're From Louisiana
Gallery Credit: Dave Steel