World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. Its aim is to raise awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD worldwide.

Each year GOLD chooses a theme and coordinates preparation and distribution of World COPD Day materials and resources. World COPD Day activities are organized in each country by health care professionals, educators, and members of the public who want to help make an impact locally and worldwide.

Theme 2020

The 2020 theme for World COPD Day will be “Living Well with COPD - Everybody, Everywhere". This year's aim is to send a positive message to both patients and providers that although COPD does not have a cure, there are many ways to actively live well.

About COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a debilitating condition that obstructs airflow from the lungs, thus hampering one’s ability to carry out day-to-day activities with ease. 

Emphysema, a type of COPD that tends to cause damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis that can lead to inflammation of the lining of bronchial tubes which carry air to and from the air sacs of the lungs, are the two most common conditions that may lead to COPD. Not only this, even smoking and exposure to chemicals or pollution can invite COPD.

COPD symptoms include wheezing, chest tightness, breathing difficulties, chronic cough, respiratory infections, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and swelling of the legs, feet, and ankle. Moreover, some of the symptoms may overlap with Covid-19.

Living with COPD

    • COPD and smoking don’t mix: Smoking is considered the main cause of COPD, and it’s also the last thing your lungs should deal with.

    • Know your COPD triggers and protect your lungs:

        ◦ Getting a flu vaccination every year is advised

        ◦ Avoiding crowds during the flu season and washing your hands often are simple and effective habits.

        ◦ COPD triggers, such as dust, pollution and pollen are also extra burden. If the air quality forecasts are to your disadvantage, it’s best to stay indoors.

        ◦ In cold weather, you can protect your lungs with warm clothing or a cold air mask.

    • Sports can help with shortness of breath:

        ◦ To reduce chest tightness, exercise is actually one of the best things you can do as it can help you breathe, get rid of that extra mucus and make room in your lungs.

        ◦ Walking or light jogging can be good activities to start with. Yoga or pilates exercises strengthen your breathing technique and help build a strong core that will make for good posture and more room for your lungs.

    • Healthy diet makes a difference:

        ◦ Maintaining your ideal body weight is important to the treatment of COPD.

        ◦ A minimum of five portions of fruit and vegetables a day may be a good rule of thumb, to drink plenty of water, eat lean protein and avoid too much salt.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants. The views expressed here are personal.)