World COPD Day

EVERY BREATH COUNTS

Each November, people around the world pause to recognize World COPD Day, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common and least understood lung diseases: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. 

This year’s theme, “Short of Breath, Think COPD,” encourages people not to ignore breathlessness. If you find yourself getting winded more easily than before, it may be time to think about your lungs.

WHAT IS COPD AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

COPD is a long-term lung condition that gradually makes it harder to breathe. It includes diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which damage the airways and tiny air sacs that move oxygen into the blood. When these structures lose elasticity or fill with mucus, air becomes trapped in the lungs, and each breath takes more effort.

The disease develops slowly. You might start with a lingering cough or notice you’re short of breath walking up stairs. Many people assume it’s just part of aging or the result of past smoking. But COPD is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and early recognition can make an enormous difference.

WHAT CAUSES COPD?

Smoking is the number-one cause, but it’s not the only one. Long-term exposure to air pollution, dust, or chemical fumes — at work or at home — can also harm the lungs. Some people have a genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency or have been exposed to smoke from non-smoking sources, which increases risk even if they never smoke. Over time, these irritants cause inflammation and scarring that narrow the airways and reduce the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

WHY EARLY DETECTION MATTERS

COPD often goes undiagnosed until symptoms become severe. Doctors use a simple breathing test called spirometry to measure how much air you can blow out and how quickly. Detecting the disease early allows for treatments that slow its progression, reduce flare-ups, and improve quality of life. That’s why this year’s message is so important. Shortness of breath isn’t something to shrug off. It’s a signal that your lungs may need help. If you’ve noticed that walking, cleaning, or even talking leaves you more breathless than it used to, ask your healthcare provider for a lung function test. It’s quick, painless, and could make a real difference. 

LIVING WITH COPD

There’s no cure, but COPD is manageable. Quitting smoking, staying active, and keeping up with vaccinations (especially flu and pneumonia) can help protect lung function. Doctors may prescribe inhalers to open airways, oxygen therapy to boost oxygen levels, or breathing machines to help rest tired muscles at night. Lifestyle choices also matter. Gentle exercise, pulmonary rehabilitation, and learning breathing techniques can ease shortness of breath and increase stamina. People who understand their condition often feel more in control and more hopeful about daily life.

HOW YOU CAN TAKE PART

World COPD Day is about awareness, not just diagnosis. Around the globe, hospitals and community groups host free lung-health screenings, educational sessions, and support walks. Sharing accurate information, checking in on loved ones, or even posting a reminder online with #WorldCOPDDay or #ThinkCOPD helps spread the message that lung health matters. If someone you know has a persistent cough or gets short of breath easily, encourage them to see their doctor. Awareness can save lives.

A REMINDER FOR EVERYONE

Breathing is automatic — until it’s not. World COPD Day reminds us that the simple act of taking a deep breath depends on complex and delicate systems we often take for granted. By learning about COPD, supporting those who live with it, and paying attention to our own lung health, we can all take steps toward a healthier future.

If you or someone you care about feels short of breath more often than before, don’t wait. A simple lung test could be the first step toward breathing easier.

LEARN ABOUT HOW APRIA SUPPORTS COPD PATIENTS