World COPD Day: With medication, COPD is partially reversible, say experts

By Admin

19 Nov, 2025

World COPD Day, observed every year on November 19, serves as a global reminder of the growing burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the urgent need for early diagnosis, prevention, and awareness. This year’s theme, “Short of Breath, Think of COPD”, reinforces the importance of paying attention to persistent respiratory symptoms and seeking timely medical guidance.

Experts emphasize that while COPD remains a serious and progressive lung condition, it is partially reversible and treatable with proper medical care. However, it cannot be fully reversed like asthma. According to global estimates, around 50 crore people are currently living with COPD, and India alone accounts for nearly five crore to five crore fifty lakh cases, making it one of the countries with the highest disease burden.

COPD occurs due to persistent inflammation in the airways, which leads to difficulty in breathing, chronic cough, and reduced lung function. Prof RAS Kushwaha from the Department of Respiratory Medicine at KGMU explains that the condition can be managed effectively with medications, which help slow down the deterioration of the lungs. But once the lung damage is done, it cannot be fully repaired. This highlights the critical need for early intervention and lifestyle changes.

Experts identify several key causes behind the rising prevalence of COPD, especially in developing countries. These include air pollution, active smoking, passive smoking, childhood respiratory infections, smoke from stubble-burning, indoor pollution from cow dung cakes, and a hereditary deficiency of alpha-1 antitrypsin a protein essential for protecting lung tissues. Even untreated asthma and tuberculosis can progress into COPD over time. The most common symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and increased mucus production, making it necessary for individuals to seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Prof Rajiv Garg, also from the Department of Respiratory Medicine, notes that high AQI levels can worsen the condition of existing COPD patients, particularly during winter. People above 40 years experiencing breathing difficulties are advised to undergo a pulmonary function test (Spirometry) for early detection. He highlights that a cleaner environment plays a significant role in reducing the overall risk of lung infections among vulnerable populations.

As temperatures drop, hospitals experience a noticeable surge in COPD-related cases. At the KGMU Respiratory Medicine OPD, around 30 percent of the daily 200 patients present with COPD symptoms on regular days, but the cases increase by nearly 40 percent during winter. Similarly, Dr Amar Singh Bisht from Lok Bandhu Raj Narain Hospital states that the Chest OPD sees an average of 30 patients daily, which almost triples during the colder months.

This World COPD Day reinforces the message that awareness, prevention, and timely diagnosis remain the strongest tools in tackling COPD. Avoiding smoking, minimizing exposure to polluted air, prioritizing regular check-ups, and seeking early medical support can significantly reduce the severity of the disease. As experts underline, COPD may not be fully reversible, but with proper care, medication, and environmental awareness, its progression can be slowed offering patients a better quality of life and a healthier future.