World COPD Day on 18 November is a global effort to expand understanding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and advocate for better care for patients. Currently 210 million people have the illness, according to 2007 WHO estimates. WHO predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. Key risk factors for COPD are tobacco smoking, indoor and outdoor air pollution, and exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals.
Organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), the Day is marked by activities implemented by health care professionals and patient groups throughout the world.
What is World COPD Day?
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 about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and improve COPD care throughout the world
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 reduce the burden of COPD.
The first World COPD Day was held in 2002. Each year organizers in more than 50 countries worldwide have carried out activities, making the day one of the world's most important COPD awareness and education events.
World COPD Day 2009
World COPD Day 2009will take place on Wednesday, November 18. The theme of this year's event will again be "Breathless not Helpless!" This positive message emphasizes that effective treatments are available to help people who have been diagnosed with COPD feel better and live more active lives, and raises awareness that breathlessness is not just an inevitable part of getting older. In addition to the "Breathless not Helpless!" theme, this year some organizers will develop sub-themes such as Early Diagnosis, COPD and Women, COPD and Smoking, and Preventing Exacerbations. We also expect that many organizers will address the ongoing story of the H1N1 influenza virus, which, as a respiratory infection, has particular import for COPD patients.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What is COPD? Fact sheet on COPD Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is not one single disease but an umbrella term used to describe chronic lung diseases that cause limitations in lung airflow. The more familiar terms 'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis.
The most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, or a 'need for air', excessive sputum production, and a chronic cough. However, COPD is not just simply a "smoker's cough", but a under-diagnosed, life threatening lung disease that may progressively lead to death.
Quick Copd Facts
According to the latest WHO estimates (2007), currently 210 million people have COPD and 3 million people died of COPD in 2005. WHO predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.
The most important risk factors for COPD are:
* Tobacco smoking
* Indoor air pollution (such as biomass fuel used for cooking and heating)
* Outdoor air pollution
* Occupational dusts and chemicals (vapors, irritants, and fumes)
Fuentes:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/events/annual/world_copd_day/en/index.html
http://www.goldcopd.com/AboutWCD.asp?l1=2&l2=0
http://www.who.int/respiratory/copd/en/index.html