World COPD day awareness was conducted by the pulmonology section of the internal medicine department on 19 till 21st of November with collaboration of other health services as the pharmacy department, Respiratory therapist department, infection control department and community medicine department. COPD Obstructive lung disease is a category of respiratory disease characterized by airway obstruction. Many obstructive diseases of the lung result from narrowing (obstruction) of the smaller bronchi and larger bronchioles, often because of excessive contraction of the smooth muscle itself.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world but is projected to be the 3rd leading cause of death by 2020. COPD represents an important public health challenge that is both preventable and treatable. COPD is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world; many people suffer from this disease for years and die prematurely from it or its complications. Globally, the COPD burden is projected to increase in the coming decades because of continued exposure to COPD risk factors and aging of the population.
Smoking is the most important risk factor for the development of COPD.
COPD symptoms often don't appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time, particularly if smoking exposure continues. For chronic bronchitis, the main symptom is a daily cough and mucus (sputum) production at least three months a year for two consecutive years.
Other signs and symptoms of COPD may include:
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activities
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning, due to excess mucus in your lungs
• A chronic cough that may produce mucus (sputum) that may be clear, white, yellow or greenish
• The blueness of the lips or fingernail beds (cyanosis)
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Lack of energy
• Unintended weight loss (in later stages)
Goals of this awareness are:
• To understand the basic knowledge about COPD.
• To emphasise the importance of spirometry in COPD diagnosis.
• To educate about the importance of identifying and reducing risk factor exposure.
• To educate health care professionals about the strategic management of COPD.
• To support people living with COPD and improve their quality of life.
The awareness exhibition includes:
1- Consultation
2- Breathing test
3- Smoking cessation
4- Treatment
5- Vaccination
Also, there was a scientific program conducted on 20 November discussing the update definition of COPD, current burden of COPD, initial assessment and diagnosis, pharmacological and non-pharmacological management as well as COPD exacerbation overview.