.jpg)
World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day is observed on November 19.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death globally, yet the condition is relatively unknown and often underprioritized and underfunded. This is despite the fact that over 3.5 million people die from COPD each year - equivalent to the cumulative death toll from a plane crashing with 400 passengers every hour, WHO reports.
The theme for this year’s World COPD Day is “Short of breath, think COPD”, aligned with the common symptoms of cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing and tiredness which have a major impact on those who live with the condition. The day aims to raise awareness about COPD and promote early diagnosis and effective management. Earlier diagnosis and treatment results in better clinical outcomes, including improvement in symptoms, lung function, and quality of life.
Armenia recorded a COPD mortality rate of 21 per 100,000 people in 2021, with men disproportionately affected. Male mortality reached 32.6 per 100,000, the sixth-leading cause of death, while the rate for women was 14.2, ranking tenth. Overall disease prevalence stands at 6.2%.
Smoking remains the country’s dominant risk factor. A 2022 survey found that 22.2% of Armenians smoked, including nearly half of all men but just 1.7% of women. An estimated 60.9% of COPD-related deaths were attributed to smoking alone.
As in many countries, early-stage COPD in Armenia often presents with few or atypical symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment. custom title
