Annual World COPD Day is November 19
Miami (November 19, 2025) - The COPD Foundation joins lung health champions around the world in recognition of World COPD Day today, November 19 to raise awareness, share knowledge, and take action to reduce the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease worldwide.
COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, yet awareness of the disease's symptoms, methods to reduce risk, and disease management remains poor. Symptoms include breathlessness, fatigue, and chronic cough.
This year's World COPD Day focuses on "Short of Breath, Think COPD" and highlights the importance of early diagnosis of COPD. While COPD is common, many people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to them not receiving appropriate treatment and care. Earlier diagnosis can result in improved outcomes, including reduced impact of symptoms and improved lung function and quality of life.
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New study links low lung function in midlife to higher risk of death, poorer quality of life
Miami (November 13, 2025) - Measuring lung function earlier in life would help identify people at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD and allow for more timely interventions, according to a new study in the September 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.
COPD encompasses conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is caused by irritants like smoke or pollution, and even genetics. There are an estimated 30 million Americans affected by COPD, yet only half of those people know they have the disease.
Spirometry is used to measure lung function, using forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) values to determine the presence and severity of lung disease. Spirometry has been shown to help predict people who are at risk of airway obstruction; however, it is not routinely performed in younger people.
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COPD Foundation survey examines importance of patient-reported outcomes, personalized care
Miami (November 11, 2025) - Men and women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, and nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease report differences in symptoms, mental health, disease burden, and other patient-reported outcomes, according to a new study in the September 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.
COPD encompasses conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by enlarged airways that are thickened and/or scarred. These permanently widened airways lead to a buildup of mucus and impaired clearance of bacteria from the lungs. NTM lung disease is a chronic respiratory condition caused by certain types of mycobacteria commonly found in the environment, such as in soil and water.
The COPD Foundation conducted a survey of 632 individuals with self-reported COPD, bronchiectasis, and/or NTM lung disease. Respondents were divided into two groups: 1) a reported diagnosis of COPD regardless of presence of bronchiectasis or NTM lung disease, and 2) a reported diagnosis of bronchiectasis and/or NTM without COPD.
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Miami (November 6, 2025) - In a joint advocacy effort between the COPD Foundation and the COPD Action Alliance, 20 states have officially recognized November as COPD Awareness Month.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
"This recognition of November as COPD Awareness Month at a state level is a powerful acknowledgement of the need to prioritize people's lung health and raise awareness of the millions of Americans living with COPD," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "By elevating awareness at the state level, our organizations are driving important conversations about the need for earlier diagnosis and support for people affected by COPD."
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New perspective highlights the need to consider social, cultural, and environmental factors shaping lung health in rural communities
Miami (November 4, 2025) - COPD research needs to increase focus on rural health disparities and consider the impact of sociocultural and environmental exposures on health outcomes, according to a new perspective in the September 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.
COPD encompasses conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is caused by irritants like smoke or pollution, and even genetics. There are an estimated 30 million Americans affected by COPD, yet only half of those people know they have the disease.
Previous research shows that the prevalence of COPD and COPD mortality is higher in rural areas and continues to increase. People with COPD in rural areas also tend to have higher symptom burden, more frequent exacerbations, and decreased lung function.
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Miami (October 30, 2025) - In honor of COPD Awareness Month in November, 38 landmarks across the United States, Canada and Australia will light up orange to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
"By illuminating our skylines orange during COPD Awareness Month, we're bringing much-needed attention to COPD," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "Lighting up landmarks in orange is more than a visual statement, it's a powerful reminder of our continued commitment for earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and increased research to help people breathe better."
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Miami (October 28, 2025) - November is COPD Awareness Month. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, affects more than 30 million Americans. Approximately half of those do not yet know they have it.
COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
"As we mark COPD Awareness Month this November, we stand with lung health champions around the world in calling for earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and increased awareness of COPD," said Jean Wright, M.D., MBA, CEO of the COPD Foundation. "Through collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose, we are expanding access to care, advancing research, and helping more people recognize the early signs and risk factors of COPD. Together, we can help people take control of their lung health."
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COPD Foundation, Ignite the Spirit partner to screen firefighters for COPD
Miami (October 9, 2025) - The COPD Foundation and Ignite the Spirit are partnering to raise awareness of how occupational hazards increase a person’s risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD comprises several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
Recent research has shown that approximately 14% of COPD diagnoses can be attributed to occupational exposures. Exposure and inhalation of toxic vapors, gases, dust, and fumes impact disease progression and the decline of a person's lung function.
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Third annual awareness event highlights importance of supplemental oxygen therapy
Miami (September 25, 2025) - The third annual World Oxygen Day, led by the COPD Foundation, will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025. The global awareness day brings together 20 global patient advocacy organizations and professional societies to recognize and raise awareness of the importance of oxygen and oxygen therapy.
Hypoxemia, or low oxygen levels, affects millions of people globally who live with a variety of respiratory and cardiac conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). More than nine million people around the world live with chronic hypoxemia. Millions more need short-term supplemental oxygen to survive acute conditions, such as pneumonia or traumatic injuries. People of any age can experience hypoxemia from various diseases and other causes.
Symptoms of hypoxemia can include shortness of breath, fatigue, and confusion. Hypoxemia is most often detected with a pulse oximeter, which uses light pulses to measure how much oxygen is attached to hemoglobin molecules in the bloodstream. It is treated with supplemental oxygen therapy.
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Step-by-step guidance helps streamline in-hospital care for people with COPD
Miami (August 28, 2025) - Using a care pathway focused on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to shorter hospital stays, increased referrals to pulmonary rehabilitation, and improved standardization of care, according to a new study. The study is published in the July 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal.
COPD is an inflammatory lung disease, comprising several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Individuals are commonly hospitalized for acute exacerbations, or flare-ups; however, proper hospital care for people with COPD varies.
This study examined the effectiveness of a COPD care pathway in a large academic medical center. Care pathways are designed using evidence and expert consensus to provide real-time decision support for health care providers.
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Lack of adequate medical care, other shared genetic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors increase risks
Miami (August 26, 2025) - People with schizophrenia are more likely to develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggesting a possible syndemic relationship between the two diseases, in addition to people not seeking appropriate medical care. A new article examining the link between COPD and schizophrenia appears in the July 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open access journal.
COPD encompasses conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is caused by irritants like smoke or pollution, and even genetics. There are an estimated 30 million Americans effected by COPD, yet only half of those people know they have the disease.
Studies have shown that people with schizophrenia have higher rates of tobacco smoking, leading to an increased risk of developing COPD. However, there is a higher prevalence of COPD in people with schizophrenia after adjusting for smoking, suggesting that the link may also be syndemic—the result of shared socioeconomic, genetic, and environmental risk factors.
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More than 60% of people said COPD had a moderate-to-great impact on their daily lives
Miami (August 21, 2025) - Prioritizing communications between patients and health care providers and increasing patient education about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) could help improve patient care, according to a new study. The study is published in the July 2025 issue of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal.
COPD is an inflammatory lung disease, comprising several conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and can be caused by genetics and irritants like smoke or pollution. The disease affects more than 30 million Americans and is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.
The study analyzed self-reported data using the Phreesia PatientInsights survey, which patients completed after check-in at their doctor's office. Patients who indicated they had a diagnosis of or were receiving treatment for COPD were included in the study.
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