Definition

• This KPI measures the number of deaths per 100,000 people caused by chronic lower respiratory diseases, adjusted for age to allow fair comparisons across populations and over time.

• CLRD includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis, excluding asthma.

Current Data (U.S., 2023)

• Total CLRD deaths: 145,357

• Age-adjusted death rate: 43.4 per 100,000 population

• Cause of death rank: 5th leading cause of death in the U.S.

Why This KPI Matters

• Public Health Burden: CLRD is a major cause of disability and death, especially among older adults.

• Healthcare Planning: Helps allocate resources for prevention, treatment, and palliative care.

• Policy Evaluation: Tracks effectiveness of anti-smoking campaigns, air quality regulations, and access to pulmonary care.

 Who Is Most Affected?

Demographics

• Older Adults (65+): Highest mortality rates.

• Smokers: Tobacco use is the leading risk factor.

• Low-income populations: Often exposed to poor air quality and have limited access to care.

• Racial/Ethnic Groups: Disparities exist; for example, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander populations show elevated death rates.

• Rural Residents: Higher prevalence due to occupational exposures and healthcare access issues.

• Equity Monitoring: Reveals disparities across regions, races, and socioeconomic groups.

What Works: Keeping the Measure on Track

Prevention Strategies

• Smoking cessation programs: Most effective intervention.

• Air quality improvement: Reducing pollution and occupational exposures.

• Vaccinations: Flu and pneumonia vaccines reduce complications.

Early Detection & Management

• Spirometry screening: Detects COPD early.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation: Improves quality of life and reduces hospitalizations.

• Medication adherence: Bronchodilators and steroids help manage symptoms.

Public Health & Education

• Awareness campaigns: Educate on symptoms and risk factors.

• Community health workers: Support self-management and connect patients to care.

Challenges

Systemic Barriers

• Underdiagnosis: Many cases go undetected until advanced stages.

• Healthcare access: Limited pulmonary specialists in rural areas.

• Environmental factors: Air pollution and occupational hazards persist.

Behavioral Factors

• Smoking relapse: High rates among former smokers.

• Low health literacy: Impacts medication adherence and self-care.

Data Limitations

• Death certificate accuracy: May misclassify causes.

• Regional variability: Differences in reporting and healthcare infrastructure.

IDOH Vital Records