COPD Foundation, lung health champions worldwide raise awareness of chronic lung disease
November 20 marks annual World COPD Day
Miami (November 20, 2024) - The COPD Foundation joins lung health champions around the world in recognition of World COPD Day today, November 20, to raise awareness, share knowledge and take action to reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide.
COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough.
This year's World COPD Day is focused on "Know Your Lung Function" and highlights the importance of spirometry. Spirometry is an important tool in diagnosing COPD and can also be used throughout a person's life to assess a person's lung function as an indicator of their overall health.
"COPD is the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet many of those don't yet know they have the disease. Measuring lung function throughout a person's life is vital to diagnosing COPD earlier to help people live longer, healthier lives," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "We are proud to partner with lung health champions worldwide on World COPD Day to raise awareness of COPD and the importance of monitoring your lung function."
The Lace Up for Lungs Awareness Campaign is generously supported by Cipla Limited, Insmed Incorporated, Theravance Biopharma, Inc., and Viatris Inc.
For more information about how to get involved with COPD Awareness Month activities and become a lung health champion, visit copdfoundation.org.
About the COPD Foundation
The COPD Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help millions of people live longer and healthier lives by advancing research, advocacy, and awareness to stop COPD, bronchiectasis, and NTM lung disease. The Foundation does this through scientific research, education, advocacy, and awareness to prevent disease, slow progression, and find a cure. For more information, visit copdfoundation.org, or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.