The Growing Burden of COPD: Experts Warn
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which affects millions worldwide, once again came to the forefront on World COPD Day due to its increasing global health burden. Since 2002, awareness activities coordinated each November by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) aim to stress that COPD is a disease that can be diagnosed early and prevented.
In statements released for this special day, the TÜSAD COPD Working Group and the Turkish Thoracic Society reiterated the importance of quitting smoking, maintaining healthy breathing environments, and seeking medical evaluation without delay.
Shortness of Breath Is Not “Aging,” but a Symptom
According to the World COPD Day statement prepared by TÜSAD, one of the most critical challenges is late diagnosis. Shortness of breath is often perceived as a natural consequence of aging, which delays patients’ application to healthcare services.
The statement underlined that COPD ranks fourth among all causes of death worldwide and is expected to rise to third place in the coming years. It is estimated that approximately 4 million people in Türkiye have COPD, yet only one in ten patients is aware of their condition.
The TÜSAD statement emphasized that in individuals over 40, long-lasting cough, sputum production, shortness of breath that worsens with exertion, and exposure to smoking or occupational dust are significant risk indicators for COPD. Experts advise individuals experiencing these symptoms to visit a healthcare facility and undergo a spirometry test.
This Year’s Theme: “If You’re Short of Breath, Think COPD!”
In its announcement for World COPD Day 2025, the Turkish Thoracic Society stated that this year’s theme is “If You’re Short of Breath, Think COPD!” The society emphasized that chronic cough and shortness of breath should not be underestimated, and that early evaluation and proper attention to the diagnostic process are essential.
Key recommendations highlighted by the society to protect against COPD include:
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Avoiding tobacco and smoking products
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Maintaining clean air quality
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Regular exercise and a balanced diet
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Receiving age-appropriate vaccinations
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Not skipping COPD follow-up appointments
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Using prescribed medications regularly
The society also emphasized that climate change affects air quality and increases the risk of COPD, stressing the need for public sensitivity and awareness.
GOLD: Knowing Lung Function Saves Lives
Data shared by GOLD shows that lung function plays a decisive role not only in COPD diagnosis but also in general health indicators.
GOLD stresses that measuring lung capacity throughout life offers an important opportunity for early diagnosis, and that functional loss can occur before symptoms appear in some pulmonary diseases. In addition to tobacco smoke, air pollution, respiratory infections, and environmental exposures are also highlighted as key contributors to COPD development.
Awareness Call from Istanbul Gelisim University
In its World COPD Day assessment, the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department of Istanbul Gelisim University emphasized the critical importance of education and awareness in maintaining respiratory function. The department pointed out the importance of informing broad segments of society about breathing exercises, regular physical activity, and protection from risk factors.
The statement noted that respiratory physiotherapy is effective in improving quality of life and reducing shortness of breath in COPD patients. It also underlined that taking symptoms seriously and seeking early evaluation increases treatment success.
Early Diagnosis Saves Lives
Experts remind the public that COPD is a preventable and treatable disease but only when recognized early. Smoking cessation, healthy environmental conditions, regular check-ups, and lifestyle habits that support respiratory health stand out as the most powerful tools in reducing the societal burden of COPD.
Sources
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Turkish Respiratory Research Association – World COPD Day Press Release
https://www.solunum.org.tr/basin/501/dunya-koah-gunu-basin-bildirisi.html
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Turkish Thoracic Society – November 19, 2025 World COPD Day Press Release
https://toraks.org.tr/site/news/12987
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GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) – World COPD Day 2024
https://goldcopd.org/world-copd-day-2024/
