20 November is World COPD Day! This global initiative is all about raising awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This year, the campaign is focusing on the importance of understanding and monitoring our respiratory health. The theme is "Know Your Lung Function". Lung function is a great way to check in on how our lungs are doing, and it can also give us insight into our overall health.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, causing approximately 3.5 million deaths annually. Nearly 90% of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes breathing difficult and includes conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The primary causes are smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure to dust and chemicals.
Regular pulmonary function tests, such as spirometry, are really useful for detecting and treating a range of lung conditions, with COPD being a good example. These tests help healthcare professionals to see how well your lungs are working, find any problems, and put in place timely treatments to stop or slow down disease progression. It's important to diagnose COPD early, as this allows for more effective management strategies and improved outcomes.
On this World COPD Day, we encourage everyone to play their part in protecting their lung health. If you know your lung function and take part in regular screenings, you can make informed decisions about your health. Remember, Know Your Lung Function is more than just a slogan. It's a call to action that highlights the importance of lung health in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. Let's join forces to raise awareness and make lung health a priority for ourselves and those we care about.
References:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
