According to the World Health Organisation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth-leading cause of death globally. Yet even with this statistic, COPD continues to be extensively under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed.

For the month of November, Open Airways, a Bermudian-based charity supporting people with asthma and COPD, has joined with more than 50 countries around the world to raise awareness about this often-overlooked condition.

The 2025 theme for World COPD Day is “Short of Breath, Think COPD”, emphasising that COPD is common, preventable and treatable — and with an accurate early diagnosis and proper treatment, the outcomes can include improvements in symptoms, lung function and quality of life.

COPD is a progressive lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and primarily affects middle-aged and older adults, especially those who smoke or who have been exposed to harmful fumes over time. Occupations such as hairdressing, cleaning and car spray-painting are examples where prolonged chemical exposure can lead to higher risk.

Common symptoms of COPD include: a persistent cough; excessive or thick sputum; shortness of breath and wheezing. While the disease is incurable, with the right care and treatment, its progression can be slowed significantly.

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines recommend spirometry testing — a simple breathing test — to confirm a COPD diagnosis. Many patients are misdiagnosed because this test is not routinely performed. Other helpful tools for diagnosis include: symptom questionnaires; oxygen-level checks; blood tests; six-minute walk test; and CT scans.

Treatment for COPD is tailored to the severity of symptoms and includes a range of effective inhalers as well as appropriate exercise routines, pulmonary rehabilitation and more.

If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the most effective way to slow its progression, as smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Nicotine replacement therapies have significant success rates, according to the American Lung Association.

Appropriate vaccinations are also essential.

COPD affects more than just the lungs. Exercise, although challenging for those with shortness of breath, can help to maintain lung and heart function. Breathing exercises can improve sputum clearance and air trapping.

Nutrition also plays a role. Underweight patients may need a high-protein, high-calorie diet owing to increased energy use from breathing difficulties. Overweight individuals may benefit from gradual weight loss to reduce the extra strain on their lungs.

COPD can take a toll on mental health, with anxiety and depression being common. Many people give up work or change careers because of symptoms, which can lead to financial, food or housing insecurity, especially in Bermuda with the high cost of living.

Flare-ups or exacerbations can be dangerous and lead to hospital admission.

Oxygen, if needed, is now being prescribed earlier and can improve quality of life, energy, and muscle and organ function. Portable oxygen machines allow for continued independence, as people are no longer necessarily confined to home-based, bulky oxygen concentrators. Oxygen must be prescribed by a physician and always used correctly to avoid complications. Many patients need oxygen for only a few hours per day or during specific activities to benefit greatly.

Comprehensive COPD care includes managing other health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. These, too, affect overall health, so regular checkups are important.

If you have a chronic cough, find yourself short of breath, or are worried about your lung health, don’t delay — please see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment make all the difference.

Open Airways provides a range of free services for people living with COPD and asthma:

• Personalised 90-minute educational sessions for individuals and families

• Educational COPD and asthma workshops for health professionals covering Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease and Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines.

• Spirometry testing (doctor referral required) for accurate diagnosis

• Equipment such as spacers, oxygen and even medications when needed

Our educators will provide the latest guidance on treatment, lifestyle and prevention —empowering patients to live better, healthier lives.

• Lindsay Bishop is the Director of Education at Open Airways. To learn more or to book a free session, contact Open Airways at 536-6060 or educ@openairways.com