Thursday 14 November 2013
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease around the world.
World COPD Day 2013 will take place on November 20 around the theme "It's Not Too Late."
COPD is a common lung disease that blocks the airways, making breathing difficult. It is a condition usually caused by smoking or exposure to fumes or very dusty places. Symptoms of COPD include coughing, bringing up phlegm or mucus, and getting short of breath.
Many people have COPD and don't know it. Some think their symptoms are just a natural part of the aging process. However, COPD is disease that affects quality of life and it will get worse if not treated.
A simple breathing test called spirometry can help diagnose COPD. The test is quick, painless, and can often be performed in your doctor's office.
COPD can be treated. Although there is no cure, doctors can help you feel better and slow damage to your lungs. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the chances to prevent further lung damage. However, treatments are available to help people at all stages of disease feel better and live a more active life. It's not too late to get help for COPD!
COPD can be prevented. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the best way to prevent COPD or stop its progression. It is never too late to quit smoking!
ENDS
More information can be found at http://www.goldcopd.org
