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Gone are the days, when only smokers were at high risk of developing COPD, with the change in the environment non-smokers are also at the risk because the air quality that we breathe today is toxic. The presence of various nano particles like PM 2.5, PM10, etc in the air hampers the functionality of our lungs.

These nano particles can lead to various life threatening respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial Lung Disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

According to WHO, by the year 2030 COPD is going to be the third leading cause of death all across the globe. Every year, around 3 million of new cases of lung diseases get registered from all across the globe, out of which more than 20% cases are from India. Nearly 142.09 in every one lakh are dying due to one form of lung disease or another giving India the questionable distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths all across the globe.

Recently National Health and Nutrition Examination conducted a survey and the results were quite surprising which shows that smoking is not the only cause of COPD but industrial pollution, transportation pollution, burning of waste materiel, etc. also increases the risk of this disease.

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Day:

Third Wednesday of every November is observed as World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, all across the globe. The day aims to create and raise the awareness about the disease and its preventive measures.

India is changing not only in demographic, economic profile, pollution but also in terms of health burden, and disease pattern.

As mentioned by WHO (World Health Organization) database updated on January 20th 2011 it showed that more than 10 million cases are there for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in India every year, which is amongst the highest in the world.

On this day let’s join our hand together in the fight against this life threatening disease.

Gone are the days, when only smokers were at high risk of developing COPD, with the change in the environment non-smokers are also at the risk because the air quality that we breathe today is toxic. The presence of various nano particles like PM 2.5, PM10, etc in the air hampers the functionality of our lungs.

These nano particles can lead to various life threatening respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial Lung Disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

According to WHO, by the year 2030 COPD is going to be the third leading cause of death all across the globe. Every year, around 3 million of new cases of lung diseases get registered from all across the globe, out of which more than 20% cases are from India. Nearly 142.09 in every one lakh are dying due to one form of lung disease or another giving India the questionable distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths all across the globe.

Recently National Health and Nutrition Examination conducted a survey and the results were quite surprising which shows that smoking is not the only cause of COPD but industrial pollution, transportation pollution, burning of waste materiel, etc. also increases the risk of this disease.

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Day:

Third Wednesday of every November is observed as World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, all across the globe. The day aims to create and raise the awareness about the disease and its preventive measures.

India is changing not only in demographic, economic profile, pollution but also in terms of health burden, and disease pattern.

As mentioned by WHO (World Health Organization) database updated on January 20th 2011 it showed that more than 10 million cases are there for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in India every year, which is amongst the highest in the world.

On this day let’s join our hand together in the fight against this life threatening disease.

Gone are the days, when only smokers were at high risk of developing COPD, with the change in the environment non-smokers are also at the risk because the air quality that we breathe today is toxic. The presence of various nano particles like PM 2.5, PM10, etc in the air hampers the functionality of our lungs.

These nano particles can lead to various life threatening respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial Lung Disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

According to WHO, by the year 2030 COPD is going to be the third leading cause of death all across the globe. Every year, around 3 million of new cases of lung diseases get registered from all across the globe, out of which more than 20% cases are from India. Nearly 142.09 in every one lakh are dying due to one form of lung disease or another giving India the questionable distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths all across the globe.

Recently National Health and Nutrition Examination conducted a survey and the results were quite surprising which shows that smoking is not the only cause of COPD but industrial pollution, transportation pollution, burning of waste materiel, etc. also increases the risk of this disease.

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Day:

Third Wednesday of every November is observed as World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, all across the globe. The day aims to create and raise the awareness about the disease and its preventive measures.

India is changing not only in demographic, economic profile, pollution but also in terms of health burden, and disease pattern.

As mentioned by WHO (World Health Organization) database updated on January 20th 2011 it showed that more than 10 million cases are there for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in India every year, which is amongst the highest in the world.

On this day let’s join our hand together in the fight against this life threatening disease.

Gone are the days, when only smokers were at high risk of developing COPD, with the change in the environment non-smokers are also at the risk because the air quality that we breathe today is toxic. The presence of various nano particles like PM 2.5, PM10, etc in the air hampers the functionality of our lungs.

These nano particles can lead to various life threatening respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial Lung Disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

According to WHO, by the year 2030 COPD is going to be the third leading cause of death all across the globe. Every year, around 3 million of new cases of lung diseases get registered from all across the globe, out of which more than 20% cases are from India. Nearly 142.09 in every one lakh are dying due to one form of lung disease or another giving India the questionable distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths all across the globe.

Recently National Health and Nutrition Examination conducted a survey and the results were quite surprising which shows that smoking is not the only cause of COPD but industrial pollution, transportation pollution, burning of waste materiel, etc. also increases the risk of this disease.

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Day:

Third Wednesday of every November is observed as World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, all across the globe. The day aims to create and raise the awareness about the disease and its preventive measures.

India is changing not only in demographic, economic profile, pollution but also in terms of health burden, and disease pattern.

As mentioned by WHO (World Health Organization) database updated on January 20th 2011 it showed that more than 10 million cases are there for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in India every year, which is amongst the highest in the world.

On this day let’s join our hand together in the fight against this life threatening disease.

Gone are the days, when only smokers were at high risk of developing COPD, with the change in the environment non-smokers are also at the risk because the air quality that we breathe today is toxic. The presence of various nano particles like PM 2.5, PM10, etc in the air hampers the functionality of our lungs.

These nano particles can lead to various life threatening respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial Lung Disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

According to WHO, by the year 2030 COPD is going to be the third leading cause of death all across the globe. Every year, around 3 million of new cases of lung diseases get registered from all across the globe, out of which more than 20% cases are from India. Nearly 142.09 in every one lakh are dying due to one form of lung disease or another giving India the questionable distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths all across the globe.

Recently National Health and Nutrition Examination conducted a survey and the results were quite surprising which shows that smoking is not the only cause of COPD but industrial pollution, transportation pollution, burning of waste materiel, etc. also increases the risk of this disease.

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Day:

Third Wednesday of every November is observed as World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, all across the globe. The day aims to create and raise the awareness about the disease and its preventive measures.

India is changing not only in demographic, economic profile, pollution but also in terms of health burden, and disease pattern.

As mentioned by WHO (World Health Organization) database updated on January 20th 2011 it showed that more than 10 million cases are there for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in India every year, which is amongst the highest in the world.

On this day let’s join our hand together in the fight against this life threatening disease.

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD refers to two types of lung disease:

1. Chronic bronchitis – when the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs) become partly blocked from swelling or mucus and you cough up phlegm
2. Emphysema – when the air sacs which exchange gases at the end of your airways become damaged and enlarged, making it difficult to breathe.

When you have COPD, your airways become swollen and sometimes they get clogged with mucus. You can’t get enough fresh oxygen with each breath. You also find it difficult to push out the air.

Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. But, non-smokers can also get COPD. People who have been exposed to dusts can get COPD from dust inhalation. Second-hand smoke, also called passive smoking, is also a risk factor for COPD.

Other causes of COPD are:

Asthma – asthma that is not well controlled over a long period of time can lead to COPD
Infections – a disease called tuberculosis can lead to COPD
Pollution and fumes – including air pollution or breathing in chemical fumes, dusts or toxic substances.
In rare cases, people with COPD can have faults in their genes (the instruction manuals for how your body develops and works). These faults include a disease called “alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency” or AAT deficiency. People with AAT deficiency don’t have enough of a protein needed to protect their lungs from damage.

COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD refers to two types of lung disease:

1. Chronic bronchitis – when the airways (the tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs) become partly blocked from swelling or mucus and you cough up phlegm
2. Emphysema – when the air sacs which exchange gases at the end of your airways become damaged and enlarged, making it difficult to breathe.

When you have COPD, your airways become swollen and sometimes they get clogged with mucus. You can’t get enough fresh oxygen with each breath. You also find it difficult to push out the air.

Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. But, non-smokers can also get COPD. People who have been exposed to dusts can get COPD from dust inhalation. Second-hand smoke, also called passive smoking, is also a risk factor for COPD.

Other causes of COPD are:

Asthma – asthma that is not well controlled over a long period of time can lead to COPD
Infections – a disease called tuberculosis can lead to COPD
Pollution and fumes – including air pollution or breathing in chemical fumes, dusts or toxic substances.
In rare cases, people with COPD can have faults in their genes (the instruction manuals for how your body develops and works). These faults include a disease called “alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency” or AAT deficiency. People with AAT deficiency don’t have enough of a protein needed to protect their lungs from damage.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) causes permanent damage to the lungs and narrows the airways (bronchi). This makes breathing difficult once the disease has reached an advanced stage. At that point, even everyday activities such as climbing stairs, gardening, or taking a walk can leave you out of breath.

COPD doesn’t arise overnight. Instead, it develops gradually over the course of many years. Symptoms like a persistent cough are often initially mistaken for a “normal” smoker’s cough or asthma. People often first find out that they have COPD when their symptoms get worse. By that time, many of them are already over 60. There is no cure for COPD. The treatments aim to stop or at least slow down the progression of the disease. The most important thing to do is quit smoking. Education programs can help to cope with the disease. Medicine can relieve the symptoms and prevent shortness of breath.

Let’s talk about a dirty little secret in COPD care: most people are using their inhalers all wrong. Studies show that up to 90% of patients don’t use their devices correctly. Think about that. You could be doing everything else right—taking your walks, eating well—but if that vital medicine isn’t getting deep into your lungs where it belongs, you’re just going through the motions.

It’s like having a key to your front door, but fumbling with the lock. You never quite get inside. The result? Poor symptom control, more flare-ups, and a feeling that your treatments “just don’t work.”

The Usual Suspects: Where Your Inhaler Routine Goes Wrong

Different inhalers have different tricks. Here’s where things often fall apart:

• The Spray-and-Pray (Metered-Dose Inhalers): The classic “puffer” requires a perfect sync between pressing the canister and breathing in slowly. A split-second mistiming, and the medicine sprays onto your tongue or the back of your throat instead of your airways.
• The Weak Suck (Dry Powder Inhalers): These devices don’t spray; they require you to breathe in forcefully and deeply to pull the powder out. A gentle, shallow breath won’t cut it.
• The Exhale Fumble: Blowing into your inhaler before you inhale can ruin the dose in a dry powder device.
• The Forgotten Hold: Not holding your breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling means the medicine doesn’t have time to settle in your lungs.

Take Control: Become the Boss of Your Puffs

You don’t have to be part of that 90%. You can make sure every dose counts.

1. Demand a Demo. Don’t Just Nod. The next time you see your doctor or pharmacist, don’t just say “I’ve got it.” Bring your inhaler and show them your technique. Let them coach you. There’s no shame in getting it right.
2. Ask About a Spacer. If you use a metered-dose inhaler (puffer), a spacer or valved holding chamber is a game-changer. It acts like a middleman, holding the medicine in a chamber so you can inhale it slowly and deeply, with no timing required. It dramatically improves how much medicine reaches your lungs.
3. Stick to the Script. Rescue inhalers (like albuterol) are for sudden symptoms. Maintenance inhalers are for every day, whether you feel great or not. Using your maintenance meds consistently is what keeps the inflammation down and prevents bad days. Skipping them because you “feel fine” is like canceling your insurance right before a storm.

Your inhaler is one of the most powerful tools in your toolbox. But a tool is only as good as the person using it. Take the time to master it. Your lungs will thank you for it.

You know that little chirp your smoke alarm gives when the battery is low? It’s annoying, but you learn to ignore it… until it stops, and you forget about it entirely. Now, imagine that chirp is your body.

For many folks, COPD starts not with a bang, but with a series of subtle, easy-to-dismiss chirps. We’re masters at making excuses: “I’m just getting older,” “I’m out of shape,” or “It’s just a smoker’s cough.”

But what if your body is trying to sound a real alarm? Ignoring the early signs of COPD is like disconnecting that smoke alarm while a fire slowly smolders in the walls.

Decode the Chirps: Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?

Stop for a moment and listen. Have you noticed any of these “chirps”?

• The “I’m Just Out of Shape” Chirp: Do you find yourself catching your breath doing things that used to be easy? Taking the elevator for one flight? Avoiding a walk with your spouse? This isn’t about fitness; it’s about your lungs struggling to keep up.
• The “Morning Cough” Chirp: That daily cough that brings up phlegm isn’t normal. Writing it off as “just part of my routine” is ignoring a key early warning sign.
• The “I’m Always Tired” Chirp: Feeling constantly worn out, even after a full night’s sleep? Your body may be working overtime just to breathe, leaving no energy for anything else.
• The “Whistling Chest” Chirp: Do you or your loved ones hear a faint whistling or rattling sound in your chest when you breathe? That’s not just a quirk; it’s the sound of air struggling to move through narrowed airways.

From Chirp to Clarity: Your Next Step is Simpler Than You Think

Hearing these chirps can be scary. The fear of what the doctor might find is a powerful reason to stay put. But knowledge is power, and clarity is a gift you give your future self.

The first step isn’t scary or painful. It’s a conversation. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms. They might suggest a simple, painless test called spirometry, where you blow into a tube. It’s the gold standard for checking how well your lungs are working.

Finding out early is a game-changer. It gives you the maximum power to slow the disease’s progress, protect your lungs, and preserve your quality of life for years to come.

Don’t wait for the alarm to become a siren. Listen to the chirps. Your future self will thank you for it.