WORLD COPD DAY 2021

World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with health care professionals and COPD patient groups throughout the world. Its aim is to raise  awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD worldwide.
World COPD Day Healthy Lungs: Never More Important 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease that makes it hard to empty air out of your lungs. This is because the airways get smaller leading to airflow obstruction. This can result in shortness of breath or tiredness because you are working harder to breathe.
It is estimated that 380,000 people are living with COPD yet only 110,000 are diagnosed. At least 1500 patients die each year of COPD and over 15,000 patients are admitted to hospital with COPD. The COPD Integrated Care Service Model demonstrates the roles of community and hospital based staff in the support and management of people with COPD.

All staff can have a positive influence on the promotion of health and self-management of people with COPD, be they patients in our services, or, family and friends in our social life.

Encouraging smoking cessation, relevant vaccinations, regular GP reviews and engagement in self-management strategies can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of people living with COPD.

There are a number of resources available for clinicians and people with COPD on the HSE NCP Respiratory website

Click here for COPD resources for clinicians

Click here for resources for people living with COPD

Download brochure

World COPD Day 2021 Website