World COPD Day | Understand Your Lung Function

2024.11.20 World COPD Day

Theme: Know Your Lung Function

November 20, 2024, marks the 23rd annual World COPD Day. This year's theme, Know Your Lung Function, emphasizes the importance of public awareness about COPD, early lung function detection, and timely intervention. The goal is to encourage proactive management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and help patients improve their quality of life.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD is a progressive, long-term lung disease marked by symptoms such as chronic cough, excessive mucus production, and breathlessness. The condition worsens over time and is frequently underdiagnosed in its early stages.

According to global data, COPD is the third leading cause of death. In China alone, more than 100 million people are affected, with a prevalence rate of 13.6% among adults over the age of 40.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of COPD?

• Smoking: The leading cause of COPD, impacting both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke.

• Air Pollution & Workplace Hazards: Long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, dust, chemical fumes, and industrial gases.

• Childhood Respiratory Infections: Recurrent lung infections during early years can increase COPD risk later in life.

• Genetic Factors: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a rare inherited condition, may predispose individuals to COPD.

Who Is at High Risk for COPD?

People aged 35 and above should be alert if they experience:

• Chronic cough and frequent phlegm

• Shortness of breath during light physical activity

• A current or past history of smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke

• Prolonged contact with dust, chemical fumes, or air pollutants

How Is COPD Diagnosed?

If you have persistent cough, excessive sputum, or shortness of breath, consider undergoing a lung function test—specifically, spirometry. This test measures the volume and speed of air you can exhale and is the gold standard for diagnosing COPD.

Early diagnosis through spirometry and routine follow-ups are vital for individuals in high-risk groups.

How to Slow the Progression of COPD

• Quit Smoking: The most effective and essential step to halt disease progression.

• Minimize Exposure to Pollutants: Avoid environmental and occupational irritants such as dust, fumes, and chemicals.

• Improve Lung Health: Perform breathing exercises and maintain regular physical activity to enhance respiratory capacity.

• Get Vaccinated: Annual flu shots and pneumonia vaccines help prevent infections that could worsen COPD.

• Follow Medical Advice: Take medications as prescribed and consult healthcare providers regularly for symptom control.