Respiratory diseases have seen a significant increase in North Rhine-Westphalia as a leading cause of death. According to the state statistics office IT.NRW, nearly 16,000 individuals succumbed to respiratory diseases in 2022. This figure represents a staggering 22% rise from the previous year. Another concerning statistic is the above-average 17% spike in deaths related to mental and behavioral disorders, reaching a total of 16,000. Dementia was found to be the primary factor contributing to these deaths.
Approximately half of the individuals who lost their lives to respiratory diseases had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, just under a quarter of the fatalities were attributed to pneumonia. Surprisingly, COVID-19 was identified as the cause of death in 11,000 cases, accounting for 5% of all deaths. This means that the number of COVID-19-related deaths decreased by 10% compared to the previous year.
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Despite the rise in respiratory diseases, the leading cause of death remained diseases of the circulatory system, which claimed the lives of 67,000 individuals and accounted for 29% of the total deaths. Cancer followed closely behind, causing 52,000 deaths. In total, approximately 234,000 people passed away in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2022, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year.
These statistics shed light on the pressing need for improved healthcare measures and resources to combat respiratory diseases and mental health disorders in the region. The data highlights the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment options for chronic conditions such as COPD and pneumonia. Additionally, efforts to address the impact of dementia on mortality rates should be prioritized.
The state statistics office’s findings serve as a reminder that respiratory diseases pose a grave threat to public health, and concerted efforts are required to mitigate their impact. As the number of deaths from COVID-19 decreases, it is crucial not to overlook the ongoing challenges posed by other respiratory illnesses.
