COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a generic term which includes a group of lung diseases. Some of these lung diseases include refractory asthma, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and emphysema. So, November is a COPD awareness month.

It has been estimated that 12 million Americans have COPD, while it is very likely that another 12 million are undiagnosed. Some of the most common symptoms of this health condition include:

• chronic coughing
• shallow breathing or breathlessness
• wheezing

Women are more prone to developing COPD. In fact, in 2006, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has killed more women than breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and diabetes. Around the world, over 210 million people are estimated to be affected by COPD.

Sleep apnea is a common comorbidity of COPD. Hence, many patients who have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are also patients with obstructive sleep apnea and have a prescribed CPAP therapy.

Diagnosing and treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on time can help people with it improve their quality of life and health.

This month, why not check some important COPD-related resources and educate yourself about this disease.

Check American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) organization and become a member. As an AARC member, you will have access to a variety of resources to help in outreach efforts. This non-profit organization posts COPD-related messages on its website. You can share these posts to help spread awareness about COPD. When sharing their posts, use the #COPDMonth and tag the AARC.

Learn more about the NHLBI’s first-ever COPD National Action Plan. This plan was developed at the request of the United States Congress. It is a comprehensive framework for action by people with COPD.

Some of the most valuable AARC COPD resources and tips include:

• Pulmonary Disease Educator Course
• Alpha-1 Course
• Guide to Portable Oxygen Concentrators
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Toolkit
• Clinician Training on Tobacco Dependence for Respiratory Therapists
• Three Aerosol Drug Delivery Guides

Throughout November, the COPD Foundation partners with respiratory health organizations. They host a number of online and personal activities which involve COPD members. The National COPD Awareness Month is an internationally-recognized event held annually. Its aim is to boost exposure to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In order to get involved in these activities, you can:

• Create a profile on COPD360 social and meet many new friends who have or understand COPD.
• Download the COPD Awareness Month social media toolkit with everything necessary to share.
• Participate in the Twitter Chat of your choice.
• Join the Patient-Powered Research Network and enter to win $250.
• Submit your photo to the Faces of COPD digital mosaic. This is an online dedication to the millions of individuals affected by COPD.
• Take part in the U.S. COPD Coalition meeting.

You can find the complete list of National COPD Awareness Month activities and events on the COPD Foundation calendar. You can raise awareness of this disease and educate others about it.