World COPD Day 2023: Importance of COPD Awareness Day

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day is a yearly event organised by GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) along with COPD patient groups and healthcare experts worldwide. The theme for World COPD Day or World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day 2023 is to “breathing is life, act earlier” (which means breathe better, live longer). It usually focuses on the importance of early diagnosis, early lung health, early interventions, and extensive care for those living with COPD. Read further to know the importance of World COPD Day.

Importance of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day

The main purpose of world COPD day 2023 is to increase awareness and boost the quality of life for people with COPD. 

The first World COPD Day or World COPD awareness day was in 2002. Every year organisers in 50+ countries conduct different activities to make this campaign successful. It makes this day the most essential educational event and COPD awareness worldwide. 

Did you know COPD affects 250+ million individuals across the globe? Yes, it’s true. This progressive lung disease is the 3rd main death cause yearly. The good part is that it is preventable and treatable.

However, numerous individuals are not familiar that they have it or don’t have access to sufficient healthcare services. 

If you suspect COPD symptoms, report this to your healthcare provider immediately. The expert will advise eye exams routinely to determine eye issues at the earliest. 

FAQ’s – World COPD Day

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to World COPD Day:

What is COPD?

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a disease that affects the lungs and makes the person hard to breathe. It causes persistent respiratory symptoms such as cough, progressive shortness of breath, etc. 

COPD is usually diagnosed in the moderate stage. It can result in serious complications like lung cancer, heart issues, osteoporosis, and depression. 

Does COPD Show up on an X-ray?

Yes, an x-ray can show up Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The following signs indicate it. 

• Hyperinflated lungs (lungs looking larger than usual). 
• Dangerous air pockets in the lungs.
• A flattened and lower diaphragm. 
• Heart rate appears longer than usual. 

Note: A chest x-ray cannot make a COPD diagnosis, mainly in the early stage. But it can support it. 

The chest X-ray shows abnormal when there is extensive lung damage. For correct advice, it’s worth talking to a healthcare expert. He/she may recommend other tests to get a better understanding of COPD progression in your case. 

When is World COPD Day 2023?

15 November is World COPD Day 2023.

Can COPD Affect Your Eyes?

Yes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) can affect your eyes in the following ways:

Cataracts

This disease makes a person more prone to cataracts. It is a night disease that results in loss of vision and clouding of the eye lens. 

Ocular Microvascular Changes

Another risk is changes in ocular microvascular at a high rate. This condition usually affects the retina and optical nerve. 

Glaucoma

This progressive lung disease also causes glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve and causes loss of vision. 

Lower Retinal Arterial Oxygen Levels

People living with COPD also struggle with reduced retinal arterial oxygen levels. It indicates less amount of oxygen reaching to the retina. 

Dry Eye Syndrome

This syndrome occurs when eyes fail to generate sufficient tears to keep them well lubricated. 

Are COPD and Asthma the Same Thing? 

No asthma and chronic pulmonary disease are different conditions. Below are the key differences between them. 

Cause

Asthma is usually caused by infections, allergies, or exertion. However, COPD’s main causes include prolonged exposure to environmental toxins and smoking. 

Onset Age

Asthma usually occurs mostly in kids. However COPD symptoms show up just in adults above age 40, mainly those who are previous or existing smokers. 

Progression

Asthma is controllable and can improve with therapy. But COPD is non-reversible. Because it progressively minimizes the amount of airflow with time.