Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term lung illness that makes it hard for a person to breathe. It leads to chronic bronchitis, where the airways are swollen and full of mucus, and emphysema, where the lung tissues are damaged. Both make breathing difficult and tiring.
The most common cause of COPD is smoking. But it can also happen in people who are exposed to smoke from chulhas or wood-burning stoves, dust at work, chemical fumes, or air pollution for many years and even after TB infection.
You may notice symptoms like daily cough, phlegm, or getting tired easily while walking. Many people ignore these early signs, thinking it is just age or a minor issue. But as the disease gets worse, even simple activities like climbing stairs or doing household work can make the person breathless.
A simple breathing test called spirometry helps diagnose the disease early.
Although COPD cannot be fully cured, it can be effectively managed with inhalers, breathing exercises, vaccinations, healthy lifestyle changes, and quitting smoking. With the right care, people with COPD can lead active, meaningful lives. On this World COPD Day, let’s pledge to recognize the symptoms early, protect our lungs, and support those living with this condition.”
