World COPD Day: Short of Breath, Think COPD
Appropriate diagnosis of COPD can have a very significant public health impact.
November 17, 2025
In support of World COPD Day on November 19, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), of which the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is a founding member, is highlighting the importance of correctly diagnosing COPD earlier with the campaign themed, “Short of Breath, Think COPD.”
COPD is a preventable and treatable condition marked by breathlessness, chronic sputum production, and cough, claiming 3 million lives globally each year—particularly in low-resource countries—and is expected to increase due to aging populations and ongoing exposure to risks like tobacco smoke and air pollution.
Although COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease, extensive underdiagnosis, misdiagnosis, and late diagnosis lead to patients receiving no treatment, incorrect treatment, or less effective treatment. Studies from across the world suggest that up to 70% of adults with COPD remain undiagnosed, with rates even higher in low- and middle-income countries. Undiagnosed COPD can lead to greater symptom burden, poor quality of life, impaired work productivity, and poorer overall general health status.
There are many factors that can lead to inappropriate or missed diagnosis, including patient-, health care system-, and provider-related factors. Patients may not recognize or report symptoms accurately, health care systems may not have resources to adequately train staff in respiratory health, or providers may have a poor understanding of COPD diagnostic criteria.
It’s important for health providers to look for the following risk factors:
- Age ≥ 35 years
- Exposure to risk factors (tobacco smoke, household and outdoor air pollutions, occupational exposures)
- Genetic factors
- Prematurity and early life disadvantage factors
- Respiratory symptoms
Accurate and timely diagnosis of COPD can improve quality of life and health outcomes. Based on currently available evidence, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) advocates for active case finding, including performing spirometry in individuals with symptoms and/or risk factors.
Although there is currently no cure for COPD, steps to help improve diagnosis can have a positive impact on future health. Patients and families can help advocate for more research and better access to care, including routine spirometry screenings and telehealth access for patients in remote settings. In addition, providers and policymakers can work together to improve access to spirometry and advocate for its use as a general health marker in all stages of life. Health systems can work to increase academic training programs specializing in respiratory health, as well as improve training in COPD diagnostic criteria, including the use and interpretation of spirometry.
Learn more in the 2026 GOLD Report: GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT, AND PREVENTION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (2026 REPORT).
About World COPD Day
World COPD Day is an annual global initiative run by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS). The goal of World COPD Day is to raise awareness and present new knowledge and therapeutic strategies for COPD worldwide. The 24th annual World COPD Day will take place on November 19, 2025.
Be part of the global effort to improve the lives of people with COPD. Join World COPD Day events organized by GOLD and FIRS. Find out more here.
About the American College of Chest Physicians
The American College of Chest Physicians® (CHEST) is the global leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. It serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,000+ members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For information about CHEST and its family of journals, including the flagship journal CHEST®, visit chestnet.org.
About the Forum of International Respiratory Societies
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is an organization comprised of the world's leading international respiratory societies working together to improve lung health globally: American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), American Thoracic Society (ATS), Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR), Asociación Latinoamericana de Tórax (ALAT), European Respiratory Society (ERS), International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS), Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), and the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).