COPD Awareness Month

Each November, the COPD Foundation and its community plan a month of activities to increase awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Foundation hosts Lace Up for Lungs challenges in line with a full month of advocacy and awareness activities. With your help, we can spread the word about COPD and chronic lung disease awareness, prevention, and treatment. Together, we can support research, funding, and support for all who are affected.

In 2021, COPD was the 4th leading cause of death globally¹ and the 6th leading cause of death in the United States². Millions remain undiagnosed and unaware that they have the disease.

COPD is (currently) incurable, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, there are many things you can do to breathe better, enjoy life, and live for many years.

What is COPD?

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a term used to describe chronic lung diseases, that include emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The overarching symptom is difficulty breathing. Some people with COPD also experience tiredness and chronic cough with or without mucus.

Learn more about COPD  >

Importance of Early Diagnosis

It's important to talk to a health care provider as soon as you experience symptoms, including increased shortness of breath, frequent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and unusual tiredness. Early diagnosis is critical to help reduce your lung damage and to help with your quality of life as you manage COPD.

Are you or someone you know experiencing symptoms of COPD?

• Take our free Risk Screener today and speak with your health care provider.
• Learn more about how COPD is diagnosed.
• Download this free guide to understand The Basics of COPD.
• Download our other educational materials. We recommend our Guides for Better Living, COPD 101/201, My COPD Action Plan, and more!
• Discover more about Bronchiectasis and NTM Lung Disease to help you understand what they have in common with COPD, how they're diagnosed and treated, and other topics:
  • Bronchiectasis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • NTM Lung Disease: How it is Diagnosed and What you Need to Know

Help Us Raise Awareness

• Download and print copies of our "Anyone Can Get COPD" flyer to learn and share with others about the ways that COPD can impact you, your family, or your friends:
  • Download (English)
  • Descargar (Español)
• Download and print copies of our “Importance of Early Diagnosis” flyer to learn and share with others about how you can look for, listen to, and act on any COPD symptoms you or your loved ones might be experiencing:
  • Download (English)
  • Descargar (Español)
• Join us to Lace up for Lungs to learn about more ways to get involved and make a difference.