WORLD COPD DAY: November 15, 2023
Breathing is Life – Act Earlier

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (C.O.P.D.) is a type of preventable and treatable progressive lung disease that is characterized by long-term respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Its main symptoms include shortness of breath and a cough, and possible chronic sputum production. It’s a progressive disease that worsens over time, making everyday activities such as walking or dressing more and more difficult.

The most common cause of C.O.P.D. is tobacco smoking and other inhaled toxic particles and gasses. Other factors are Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, older age, and genetics.

C.O.P.D. is second only to labor and delivery as a cause of hospital admissions and currently is one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

Early diagnosis and early intervention are now more important than ever in C.O.P.D. prevention and treatment.

Initiatives to reduce the burden of C.O.P.D., include smoking-cessation programs, fighting against both indoor and outdoor air pollution, as well as examining childhood disadvantage factors. In addition, providers can advocate for Spirometry, a cost-effective way to identify people at high risk of C.O.P.D.