Lung Foundation

About World COPD Day Print E-mail

World COPD Day World COPD Day was on Wednesday November 18, 2009 and this year, the Australian Lung Foundation promoted taking control of COPD. We encouraged people with COPD to "catch their breath".

In 2009, over 90 groups across Australia organised events to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.  Just over half organised a Catch your Breath Walk for COPD event and collectively those involved managed to exceed the 2008 distance of 1,878 kms and clocked up 2,503 kms which is a fantastic result. 

During 2009, The Australian Lung Foundation promoted the importance of being aware of lung health.  A new Lung Health Checklist was launched in October - an easy-to-use guide recognising symptoms that could indicate a need to see a doctor.  This important initiative will be promoted throughout 2010 as the world marks The Year of the Lung.

Our objective with this campaign is to raise awareness of the message that it is important to catch lung disease before it catches up with you. 

There are things people with COPD can do to reduce their breathlessness and improve their quality of life. In particular pulmonary rehabilitation, including gentle exercise, is a proven therapy that reduces breathlessness and keeps people out of hospital. To promote this message on World COPD Day, The Australian Lung Foundation organised a coordinated national walking event. Our message was "Walk for COPD and Catch your Breath".

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects about 1 in 6 Australians over 45 years old1 and often causes breathlessness. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD.

Alarmingly, 3 out of 4 people with COPD do not know they have the condition2 and are therefore not taking the important steps to manage their symptoms and stem the progress of the disease.

Reassuringly, there are things you can do about COPD to help you breathe easier.

Contact your doctor to have a simple lung test.

The Australian Lung Foundation is also here to help. Contact us for information on COPD and support for people with COPD on 1 800 654 301.

If you answer YES to three or more of these questions, you may have COPD.

  • Do you cough several times most days? 

  • Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?

  • Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?

  • Are you over 45 years old? 

  • Are you a smoker or ex-smoker?

References

1. Abramson MJ. Respiratory symptoms and lung function in older people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. MJA 4 July 2005; 183(1):S23-S25
2. Frith P. Prevalence and Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Australia. Australian Lung Foundation, Nov 2004

Content updated December 9, 2008

Last Updated ( Thursday, 17 December 2009 )
 
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