Every year, more than 400,000 Americans die of lung disease.  Lung disease is America's number three killer responsible for one in six deaths.  Lung disease is not only a killer as more than 35 million Americans are now living with a chronic lung disease.

The American Lung Association Epidemiology and Statistics Unit monitors trends in lung disease and behavioral risk factors.  They are responsible for conducting analyses of raw data from government surveys available through the National Center for Health Statistics and other agencies to develop reports on lung disease mortality, prevalence, hospitalization, economic costs and risk factors. 

Disease trend reports are data-rich and are intended for professional audiences as they provide more in-depth statistics than our fact sheets and other lung disease reports. These reports contain tables, figures, and descriptions of lung disease prevalence, incidence, hospitalization and mortality, cigarette smoking, and other issues related to lung health. Data are examined by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and, in some cases, educational attainment and economic impact. This information can be used to make data-driven decisions about program implementation and support.

Lung Disease Publications provide statistics, background support materials and ongoing research on important lung health issues in laymen terms.  As such, these reports are mostly intended for public audiences, but can be valuable resources to professionals. 

Additional data on lung disease topics can also be found using our Lung Disease Finder.

Disease Trend Reports

• Trends in Asthma Morbidity and Mortality (July 2011) 
• Trends in COPD (Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema) Morbidity and Mortality (August 2011) 
• Trends in Lung Cancer Morbidity and Mortality (April 2012) 
• Trends in Pneumonia and Influenza Morbidity and Mortality (April 2010) 
• Trends in Tobacco Use (July 2011) 
• Trends in Tuberculosis Morbidity and Mortality (February 2010)  

Lung Disease Publications 

• Estimated Prevalence and Incidence of Lung Disease (March 2012)**
• State of Lung Disease in Diverse Communities 2010
• Lung Disease Data 2008

**DISCLAIMER:
The numbers in this document reflect the estimated prevalence and incidence of lung disease within each Lung Association area, and not the actual number. These estimates are based on the national incidence and prevalence estimates applied to the age-specific population of each area; no adjustments are made for any other factors that may affect the actual local prevalence. When citing this information, please be careful to ensure that the nature and derivation of these estimates are understood.