World Spirometry Day

What is World Spirometry Day?

World Spirometry Day, celebrated on June 27, 2012, is an international awareness campaign that offers people the chance to test their lung health and demonstrates the importance of physical activity and healthy lungs.

This year, World Spirometry Day coincides with the Summer Olympics and has a special focus on fitness and lung health, with events continuing up to the conclusion of the Paralympics, ending September 9.

OneBreath, the ACCP, the COPD Alliance, and many other organizations are raising awareness of World Spirometry Day and the importance of spirometry by hosting lung health events around the world.

What is spirometry?

Spirometry is an important tool in diagnosing COPD. Spirometry is a breathing test that shows how well a patient’s lungs are working. The test measures the amount of air a patient can breathe out and the amount of time it takes to do so. When administered by a trained medical professional, spirometry may help to:

  • Confirm a diagnosis of COPD
  • Show the severity of a patient’s COPD
  • Help decide what medicines and health instructions are appropriate for each patient
  • Show how well the prescribed treatment and disease management activities are working

What is Spirometry?Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

OneBreath® Partners With the ACCP and the COPD Alliance to Raise Awareness About COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death in the United States. More than 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, while approximately 12 million more have the disease but remain undiagnosed.

OneBreath® and the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) are committed to building awareness about COPD among patients and the health-care community. Together, they are educating patients about the risk factors and symptoms of COPD, screening and diagnosis, and how to live better with their chronic illness.

 As a founding member of the COPD Alliance, the ACCP also is collaborating with primary care clinicians to increase awareness about the importance of screening for COPD, testing using spirometry, and educating their patients about their disease.

What is COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, also is referred to as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is a serious and progressive lung disease that constricts the airways, making it difficult for patients to breathe.

Emphysema + Chronic Bronchitis = COPDWhat causes COPD?

Although there is no cure for COPD, in most cases, it is a preventable disease.

Smoking - COPD is most often caused by long-term smoking. Smoking is also the cause for 9 of 10 COPD-related deaths.

Environmental or Occupational Exposures - COPD can also occur in people who have had long-term exposure to lung irritants, like certain chemicals, dust, or fumes in the workplace. Heavy or long-term exposure to secondhand smoke or other air pollutants may also contribute to COPD.

Genetic Factors - COPD may also be caused by a genetic condition known as alpha1-antitrypsin, or AAT, deficiency. While very few people know they have AAT deficiency, it is estimated that close to 100,000 Americans have it. People with AAT deficiency can get COPD even if they have never smoked or had long-term exposure to harmful pollutants.

What are the symptoms of COPD?

Coughing, with or without sputum, and breathlessness are the first symptoms patients generally notice. Over time, the breathlessness can worsen, sometimes to the point that dressing and bathing become difficult. Increased effort to breathe can cause people to become tired with everyday activities.

Symptoms of COPD include:

  • Constant coughing, sometimes called "smoker's cough"
  • Shortness of breath while doing activities you used to be able to do
  • Excess sputum production
  • Feeling like you can't breathe
  • Not being able to take a deep breath
  • Wheezing

Am I at risk for COPD?

creening for COPD using a validated screening tool is an important step in identifying patients who may be at risk for COPD. Patients who believe they may be at risk can take a simple, 5-question, survey, to determine their risk for COPD.

Take the COPD survey now.

How is COPD diagnosed?

Although a validated COPD screener can identify patients at risk for COPD, a follow-up breathing test called spirometry, is needed to diagnose COPD.

Testing for COPD using Spirometry

How is COPD treated?

COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse with time. A key factor in slowing the progression of COPD is to quit smoking. There are also treatments that may slow the progression of the disease, including medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Where can I find patient resources for COPD?

Patient resources to help manage chronic health conditions, including COPD, can be found on the OneBreath website. For additional COPD resources, please visit the following websites: