Understanding COPD and Its Effects on the LungsWhen it comes to a disease that ranks as the nation’s number three killer … Ohio bears a heavy burden. We’re talking about COPD, which is the name for a group of diseases that wreaks havoc in the lungs and causes breathing problems. Currently, about 15 million Americans have been diagnosed with this disease and the Buckeye State stands among the top 13 in the country with the highest rates. In this week’s Be Well segment, producer Kay Colby sat down with ideastream’s Anne Glausser to discuss COPD and some of the challenges patients face navigating treatment. Health intern Jasmine Gallup assisted with the preparation of this report and with compiling a list of resources for more information. NIH COPD education campaignGallup survey on smokingAmerican Lung Association COPD information