World COPD Day 2024: Let’s Know its Importance

• Written by Riya Lohia

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Ravi Sinha was never aware of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD until his 70-year-old mother was diagnosed with the same. This turned Ravi’s world upside down because, for him, he said nothing was more hurting than watching her mother struggle. 

According to a report by the National Library of Medicine, India has one of the highest cases of COPD in the world, with around 55.3 million people struggling with the same. Additionally, it is the second most common and leading cause of death caused by non-communicable diseases.¹ With risk factors like smoking, use of cooking fuel, air pollution, and hazardous working conditions, COPD is highly burdening the national and international governments and the healthcare systems. 

World COPD Day is a global event that aims to raise awareness and knowledge on COPD, ultimately helping to reduce the global burden caused by the same. Keep reading this article as we’ll discuss the importance of identifying this health concern and recognising its causes, symptoms, and related awareness. 

What is World COPD Day?

World COPD Day, observed on November 20th every year, is an annual event by GOLD or Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. GOLD partners up with COPD patients and healthcare professionals all around the world to use this day as COPD awareness day. 

The motto of the event is to raise awareness, share resources and knowledge, and make a local and global impact. 

In 2002, GOLD celebrated the 1st COPD Day. Ever since then, several countries, organisations, patients, and healthcare experts have come together and made this event one of the biggest COPD awareness events. Today, more than 50 countries are a part of this awareness campaign. 

Why World COPD Day is Important?

Now you know how World COPD Awareness Day is such a big event. But what makes it this big? Why is awareness of COPD important? Here are some alarming data pointers that help you understand the seriousness of COPD.³

• Around 3.32 million worldwide deaths in 2019 were caused by Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. Thus, making itself the 3rd leading reason for global deaths. 
• The 7th leading reason for poor worldwide health is COPD. 
• Low and middle-income countries are worst affected by the disease, with around 90% of COPD deaths occurring in the region. 
• Individuals with COPD are also likely to have an enhanced risk of other health concerns like lung cancer, infections, heart conditions, anxiety, and more. 

Understanding COPD

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, can be simply understood as an airway or a lung disease. Individuals with COPD are struggling with damaged or inflamed airways or lungs that cause restriction and difficulty in breathing. COPD is of two types: Emphysema and Chronic bronchitis. 

Symptoms and Causes of COPD

For effective control and management, it is important to identify the symptoms of any disease. And COPD is no different. Here are some common warning signs or COPD symptoms to look out for:

• Trouble breathing during the physical activities of your daily life. 
• Persistent cough for about 3 months with mucus. 
• Wheezing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Tiredness or feeling of fatigue
• Related lung infections 
• Chest tightness 

Understanding the leading causes of COPD is another effective step for disease control and management. Continue reading to learn some of the most common COPD causes. 

• Consuming tobacco  is one of the primary causes of COPD in developed nations. 
• Another leading cause is the lack of good airflow in houses while people are being exposed to burning fuels. 
• Regularly being exposed to fumes or dust at your workplace or other spaces also makes you vulnerable to COPD. 
• Air pollution. 

How to Diagnose COPD? 

The first step of your COPD diagnosis is a physical exam by your healthcare provider. This may include consultations with the doctor followed by normal tests to evaluate your lung condition and its overall wellness. 

Here are some of the common methods that can be used for COPD diagnosis.

Imaging Exams

Imaging tests like CT scans or X-rays can be used to check if there have been any changes in the way your lung looks because of COPD. 

Pulmonary Tests

Using tools like spirometry and pulmonary exams helps your doctor understand the health and function of your lungs. 

ECG 

ECG or electrocardiogram is used by your doctor to check the functioning of your heart. This helps them understand if the same is the reason for their breathing difficulties or not. 

Blood Tests

COPD diagnosis may involve certain blood tests to gauge the protein AAT levels. This gives them an idea if you are struggling with Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency or not. 

Navigating COPD Prevention and Treatment 

One of the leading causes of COPD is smoking. So, avoiding this would be one of the most effective COPD prevention tips. . Needless to say smoke, fumes, and related substances can cause huge damage to your airways and the lungs. Thus, avoiding or limiting them is must. Protecting yourself with lung vaccination shots is another effective thing to do. Additionally, try doing some physical exercises that boost your lungs health.

COPD cannot be cured. But that doesn't mean you have to live all your life in difficulty and discomfort. With just a few simple lifestyle changes and proper COPD treatment, you may reduce the severity of your symptoms. Here are some commonly accepted and popular treatment options for COPD.

Avoid Smoking

Try avoiding smoking. Once you quit smoking, it may help reduce COPD progression, becoming one of the most effective formulas of COPD management. 

Medications 

Medications like inhalers and bronchodilators are seen to be effective in reducing the swelling and inflammation of your airways. Thus helping you reduce your breathing difficulty. 

Rehabilitation 

An educational and exercise program designed to help you increase your knowledge and COPD awareness. With better awareness, it aims to help you manage your symptoms of COPD. 

Other Treatments 

In addition to these, you may receive other treatments like oxygen therapy, airway pressure, surgery, and more to help you reduce the problem or discomfort related to your health concern.

Lung function can be an important tool in understanding your overall health and wellness. Measuring lung function can also help you gauge several health concerns and help you receive timely treatment for the same. 

World COPD DAY 2024 Theme

World COPD Day aims to educate individuals on this disease and everything relevant to it. To do the same, every year, GOLD announces a theme. The theme for World COPD Day 2024 is “Know Your Lung Function”. 

Healthy Living, Long Living 

Shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and other symptoms of COPD may look like something minor in the start. However, being ignorant of the same can lead to serious health concerns. Thus, it is important to diagnose and treat them timely. Further, with just some simple and easy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or vaping, eating and exercising better, and being vaccinated, you can comfortably live your life with reduced and managed COPD. However, in severe cases, it is advisable to delay no more and see a doctor at your earliest convenience. In case, you are worried about the expenses of these treatments, make sure to insure yourself to receive quality treatments without pondering over medical costs. 

>> Also Read: Tips on What to Eat in COPD Diet

Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.