World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Wednesday of November to raise awareness about COPD, one of the most widespread illnesses across the globe.
World COPD Day 2022 was observed on 16th November 2022.
- World COPD Day 2021 was observed on 17th November 2021.
- World COPD Day 2023 will be observed on 15th November 2023.
The theme of World COPD Day 2022 is ‘Your lungs for life’.
Background:
i. World COPD Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), in collaboration with international COPD patient groups and medical specialists.
ii. The 1st World COPD Day was observed on 20th November 2002.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):Â
i. COPD refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. The 2 most common types of COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
ii. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019.
iii. The causes of developing COPD are smoking, fumes and dust at work, air pollution, and genetics.
iv. The 3 primary Symptoms of COPD are shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and coughing up thick, frequently coloured mucus (phlegm). Other common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.
Note:
- According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Smoking is responsible for up to 8 out of 10 COPD-related deaths.
- Nepal has the highest death rate from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a study reveals.
About the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD):
The GOLD was launched in 1997 in collaboration with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA, and the World Health Organization.
Chair- Alvar G. Agusti, MD
