Event Series:
World COPD Awareness Day
World COPD Awareness Day
November 19
World COPD Awareness Day
World COPD Awareness Day had been observed every year on the third Wednesday of November since 2002. It is a global healthcare event to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) around the world. Activities have been held in over 50 countries by various organizations. This makes World COPD Awareness Day one of the world’s most important COPD awareness and education events.
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), with health care professionals and COPD patient groups from around the world, have collaborated to organize World COPD Day. This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness of COPD through a variety of campaigns and activities. It is aimed at highlighting the importance of education about the disease. And it also focuses on finding solutions to reduce the disease’s global burden. Wear an orange ribbon, pin or orange silicone wristband for World COPD Awareness Day.
Wear an orange ribbon, orange pin or orange silicone wristband for COPD Awareness Day
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the world’s 3rd leading cause of death. Smoking tobacco is one of the main causes of COPD. In addition to this, COPD’s under diagnosis also contributes to the hike in prevalence. This is financially burdensome for patients and limits their ability to learn about the disease and treatment options.
Studies reveal evidence of variations in COPD prevalence rates and high levels of COPD under-diagnosis. The significant direct medical expenditures and indirect costs associated with treating COPD are mostly due to the late diagnosis of COPD. When compared to early diagnosis, late diagnosis of COPD is associated with a higher exacerbation rate, more co-morbidities, and higher expenses.
The need for COPD awareness becomes apparent as a result of this. In addition to this, COPD is included in both the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). In order to increase access to COPD diagnosis and treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been employing a number of strategies.
Importance of World COPD Day
A study conducted in 2019, assessing public interest in COPD between 2004 and 2018, reported that COPD was highly underrepresented relative to its prevalence and effect on global health. This can be overcome by providing public awareness about the disease. It also helps to highlight symptoms and treatment, thereby improving the patient’s quality of life. Awareness of COPD risk factors may also help reduce the disease’s prevalence. In addition to this, it raises awareness of the dangers of air pollution.
Warning signs of COPD
Warning signs play a significant role in early diagnosis and treatment, which include:
- Difficulty in breathing.
- Cough with increased mucus (yellow / green color) secretion.
- Fever with chills.
- Increased fatigue or weakness.
- Sore throat.
- Unusual headache and nasal congestion.
Risk factors for COPD
Smoking is the major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (which includes bronchitis and emphysema). 85 to 90% of COPD cases are caused by smoking, compared to non-smokers. Female smokers have a roughly 13-fold increased risk of dying from COPD. Males who have smoked regularly have a nearly 12-fold increased risk.
In addition to this, other risk factors are:
- Family history.
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency emphysema (a rare form of COPD, that is caused by a genetic condition that affects the body’s ability to produce Alpha-1 protein, which protects the lungs.
- Evidence of previous childhood respiratory infection (medical history).
- Exposure to secondhand smoke, workplace toxins including chemicals, dust, fumes, and air pollution.
