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Ken Hedler/The Daily CourierElizabeth Page, a respiratory therapist at Yavapai Regional Medical Center in Prescott, displays a copy of a spiral-bound book that she wrote for people who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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PRESCOTT - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in Arizona and the fourth leading cause nationwide, according to the American Lung Association.An estimated 278,000 people in Arizona have COPD, the association's website states. COPD is the only major disease that is growing in prevalence and mortality while all other major causes of death are declining.Smoking is the biggest cause of COPD, and its primary symptoms are chronic cough and shortness of breath, said Elizabeth Page, respiratory wellness coordinator and senior respiratory practitioner at Yavapai Regional Medical Center here.

October 31, 2010