Know Your Lung Function: World COPD Day 

The Burden of COPD 

COPD is the world’s third leading cause of death. With its prevalence and high levels of underdiagnosis, COPD leads to costly medical expenses and more burdensome patient impacts. Later diagnosis of COPD is associated with a higher exacerbation rate, more comorbidities, and higher expenses. 

COPD is on the rise. One study reported COPD was vastly underrepresented in relation to its prevalence and impact on public health. With more awareness, patients may be diagnosed and treated earlier, improving survival rates, quality of life and achieving better health outcomes while saving health system resources. 

Risk Factors and Warning Signs 

While smoking is the largest risk factor for COPD, family history, respiratory infection and exposure to secondhand smoke and harmful pollutants also contribute to COPD. 

It’s important to know the warning signs: Difficulty breathing, cough, fever, congestion and a sore throat are common symptoms of COPD. Over the years, COPD can damage the lungs, leading to dizziness, coughing and shortness of breath. These symptoms may hinder patients’ ability to perform routine activities and exercise. 

While there is no cure for COPD, early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the disease’s progression and mitigate the long-term effects. By identifying precursor conditions and receiving prompt care, patients can better protect their lung’s function and bodily health for years to come.  

Know Your Lung Function 

Led by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, this year’s theme “Know Your Lung Function” highlights the importance of lung function as an invaluable tool for diagnosing COPD. This measurement of lung function, also known as spirometry, may be used to measure factors such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, and respiratory infection that impede lung health. Even a small obstruction of lung function may go undetected, impacting earlier diagnosis and leading to serious illnesses, like COPD. 

On World COPD Day, we are reminded of the importance of lung health and the significant impact awareness can have on lowering global disease burden. Join the Global Alliance for Patient Access in supporting policies that increase earlier diagnosis and treatment.