COPD Awareness Month, held every November, is a vital annual event spearheaded by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in partnership with healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups globally. In 2025, the theme “Short of Breath, Think COPD” highlights the importance of recognizing breathlessness as a key symptom, urging timely medical attention and early diagnosis.
What Is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disorder characterized by airflow limitation, most commonly caused by chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, its global prevalence and burden continue to rise, making
awareness and education crucial.
Signs, Risks, and Management:
● Early warning signs—such as a lingering cough, increased phlegm, wheezing, and especially breathlessness—should never be ignored.
● Smoking, exposure to environmental pollutants, workplace hazards, and genetics all raise the risk of developing COPD.
● Effective COPD management blends appropriate medication, regular physical activity, air quality control, and personalized nutrition.
● Timely recognition and action can slow progression and improve quality of life.
Diet and Micronutrients:
● Nutrition plays a vital role in COPD care—choosing the right foods can make breathing easier and support recovery.
● People with COPD benefit from diets that are nutrient-dense and low in carbohydrates, helping to decrease carbon dioxide production during metabolism and easing respiratory burden.
● Emphasise vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins; limit starches and sugars for improved energy, muscle strength, and comfort.
● Adequate intake of micronutrients—vitamins C, D, E, zinc, magnesium, and
selenium—is important to support lung function and boost immunity.
Key Takeaways
● Recognize persistent breathlessness and frequent cough as early COPD symptoms, especially if risk factors are present.
● Smoking cessation and pollution avoidance are crucial for both prevention and disease management.
● Early and accurate diagnosis can slow disease progression and improve outcomes.
● Medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and tailored nutrition together form a foundation for better symptom control.
● Moderating carbohydrate intake and prioritizing vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats make breathing easier and enhance energy for COPD patients.
COPD Awareness Month is an opportunity to support patients, advocate for prevention, and
empower communities to take lung health seriously—leading to healthier, easier breathing for
all.
– Anamta Kazi, Sports & Clinical Nutritionist
REFERENCES:
● Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. (2025, September 4). World COPD Day 2025. GOLD. https://goldcopd.org/world-copd-day-2025/
● COPD Foundation. (2025, October 16). COPD Awareness Month.
https://www.copdfoundation.org/Take-Action/Get-Involved/COPD-Awareness-Month.aspx
● American Lung Association. (2025, October 12). COPD Awareness Month.
https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/learn-about-copd/co pd-awareness-month
● World Health Organization. (2024, May 6). Chronic respiratory diseases programme.
https://www.who.int/teams/noncommunicable-diseases/ncds-management/chronic-respiratory-diseases-programme
