The World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) day is annually observed across the globe on 3rd Wednesday of November to create awareness and educate the general public about the chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and to advocate for better care for COPD patients. The 2020 World COPD day falls on 18th November 2020.This year it is 19th edition of World COPD Day.
The theme of 2020 World COPD day is “Living Well with COPD – Everybody, Everywhere”, which is aimed to spread a positive message to the patients and care providers.
Note:
The World COPD Day 2019 was observed on 20th November 2019
The World COPD Day 2021 will be observed on 21st November 2021.
Background:
i.The World COPD Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with healthcare professionals and COPD patient groups across the globe.
ii.The first World COPD Day was first observed in 2002.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD):
i.Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) is a condition that affects the airflow from lungs and impairs the ability to carry out simple daily activities.
ii.Smoking and high exposure to chemicals or pollution may cause COPD.
iii.The occurrence of COPD increases with decreased poor quality of air.
iv.COPD is not curable and the treatment can reduce the symptoms and improve the quality of life.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of COPD include, breathing difficulties, tightness in chest, wheezing, chronic cough, respiratory infection, fatigue, weight loss and swelling in legs, feet and ankle.
Preventive measures for COPD:
i.Vaccination for influenza and pneumonia can avoid severe infections.
Quit smoking, smoking is one of the causes of COPD.
ii.Regular exercise and a healthy diet will help to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.
Key Points:
i.According to the World Health Organisation(WHO), COPD is estimated to become the 3rd leading cause of death by 2030.
ii.WHO developed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control to protect the people from harmful exposure to tobacco.
iii.The Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD), a voluntary alliance of national and international organizations, institutions and agencies works towards reducing the global burden of chronic respiratory diseases.
About Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD):
Launched – 1977 in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA, and the World Health Organization.
Chair of the Board – Alvar G. Agusti, MD.
