15.11.2017 · 👁 2,884
November 15 - World Day Against Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day (World COPD Day) is celebrated annually on Wednesday of the second or third week of November at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a general name for a number of diseases in which there is a persistent disturbance in the movement of air from the lungs. The previously used terms “chronic bronchitis” and “emphysema” are no longer used; they are included in the concept of COPD.
WHO estimates that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease affects 210 million people. Almost 90% of COPD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
The main causes of the disease are smoking, tobacco smoke, air pollution, and contact with chemical fumes.
COPD has no cure, but proper treatment can slow the progression of the disease. According to doctors' forecasts, if measures are not taken to prevent this disease in the near future, the overall mortality from COPD will increase by more than 30% in ten years.
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day is taking global steps to raise awareness of COPD and improve patient care. On this day, healthcare professionals all over the world conduct medical examinations, preventive and awareness-raising activities. One of the important places is occupied by various actions aimed at combating smoking.
Be healthy, take care of your loved ones!