World COPD Day is observed on November 16th every year. The theme for the year 2022 is “Your Lungs For Life.” The day aims to create awareness about the condition and ways to reduce the burden of COPD worldwide. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide.
According to the World Health Organisation, COPD caused 3.23 million deaths worldwide, and around 90% of those deaths were of people under 70 years of age and occurred in low and middle-income countries. Air pollution has a direct effect on COPD, with people experiencing symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, sputum, headaches and dryness on the face and throat almost instantly after being exposed to air pollution.
COPD makes it harder to breathe. The symptoms may be mild at first, beginning with occasional coughing and shortness of breath. As it develops, symptoms become more constant, and it can become increasingly difficult to breathe. The person also experiences chest tightness, a lack of energy, swelling in the feet or ankles, and weight loss.