Every breath we take keeps us alive — yet, millions around the world struggle to breathe freely due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Recognizing this growing health challenge, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) organizes World COPD Day every year to spread awareness about prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of COPD.

Did You Know?

• According to, WHO, approximately 339 million people worldwide suffer from asthma.  
• In India, there are around 35 million asthma patients, with nearly 2,00,000 asthma-related deaths annually.

In a country like India and cities like Siliguri—where urban pollution, seasonal variations, and rising respiratory illnesses are major triggers—the role of trained respiratory specialists becomes even more essential. The best COPD hospital in Siliguri encourages early diagnosis and proactive management of chronic respiratory diseases, including asthma and COPD.

What is World COPD Day?

World COPD Day, observed every year on the third Wednesday of November (November 19, 2025), is a global healthcare event led by GOLD. The day brings together doctors, researchers, healthcare organizations, and communities from across the world to increase understanding of COPD — its causes, impact, and management.

The goal is not only to educate people about the disease but also to promote healthy lifestyle choices, advocate for cleaner air, and ensure better access to diagnosis and care. Hospitals and clinics, including the best COPD hospital in Siliguri, actively participate in awareness programs, lung screening camps, and public education drives to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to protect their respiratory health.

Theme for 2025: Short of Breath, Think COPD

The theme for World COPD Day 2025, “Short of Breath, Think COPD,” highlights the urgent need for early recognition and diagnosis of this often-overlooked condition. Despite being the third leading cause of death globally, COPD remains underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed, preventing patients from receiving timely care.

This year’s theme urges both healthcare providers and the public to view persistent breathlessness as a warning sign — not just a symptom of aging or fatigue. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, patients can experience significant improvements in lung function, symptom control, and quality of life.

Understanding COPD: 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung disorder that restricts airflow, making breathing difficult. The condition develops gradually as the airways and air sacs in the lungs become damaged or inflamed — often due to prolonged exposure to harmful particles such as cigarette smoke, industrial fumes, or polluted air.

Although COPD cannot be completely cured, early detection, effective treatment, and lifestyle changes can help slow disease progression and enhance daily living. At the best COPD hospital in Siliguri, patients receive comprehensive diagnosis, pulmonary rehabilitation, and personalized treatment plans designed to improve lung function and quality of life.

Types of COPD: 

COPD generally includes two major conditions — Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema — and many patients experience symptoms of both.

1. Chronic Bronchitis: 

Chronic bronchitis results from long-term inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. The condition causes excess mucus production, leading to a persistent “wet” cough. People with chronic bronchitis often face recurrent chest infections and difficulty breathing, particularly in colder weather or polluted environments.

2. Emphysema: 

Emphysema occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lungs become damaged, reducing the lungs’ ability to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. This leads to increasing breathlessness, first during physical exertion and later, even at rest. In advanced cases, emphysema can severely limit mobility and overall health.

What happens inside our lungs:

• Inflamed airways: The lining present in the airways  becomes swollen and irritated leading to narrowing the breathing passages.
• Excess mucus: the airways often gets clogged by the mucus produced by the lungs which is more than normal.
• Damaged air sacs: The lungs lose their ability to push air out effectively as the walls of their sac lose their elasticity.

Knowing 10 Causes of COPD:

1. Cigarette Smoking: The leading cause of COPD worldwide. Long-term smoking damages the airways and lung tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and airflow obstruction.

2. Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: Regular exposure to tobacco smoke from others can harm the lungs over time, even in non-smokers, increasing the risk of COPD.

3. Indoor Air Pollution: Prolonged inhalation of smoke from burning wood, coal, or biomass fuels for cooking or heating — especially in poorly ventilated homes — can cause COPD, particularly among women in developing countries.

4. Outdoor Air Pollution: Continuous exposure to industrial fumes, vehicle emissions, and environmental pollutants can irritate and inflame the lungs, contributing to COPD development.

5. Occupational Dust and Chemicals: Workers exposed to dust, vapors, and chemical fumes in industries like mining, construction, textile, or agriculture have a higher risk of developing COPD.

6. Genetic Factors (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency): A rare inherited disorder that affects the lungs’ ability to protect themselves from damage, making people more prone to COPD even without smoking.

7. Frequent Respiratory Infections in Childhood: Recurrent lung infections during childhood can impair lung growth and function, increasing vulnerability to COPD in adulthood.

8. Aging and Natural Lung Decline: As people age, lung function naturally decreases. Combined with other risk factors, this decline can lead to COPD.

9. Asthma with Poor Control: Long-standing or poorly managed asthma can cause chronic inflammation and irreversible airway damage, leading to COPD-like symptoms over time.

10. Low Body Weight and Poor Nutrition: Malnutrition and low body mass can weaken the immune system and respiratory muscles, making the lungs more susceptible to chronic diseases like COPD.

How to Prevent COPD: 

At the best COPD hospital in Siliguri, experts stress that preventing COPD starts with protecting your lungs long before symptoms appear.

• Quit smoking: To avoid COPD, quit smoking and avoid smoking zones. Support a smoke-free environment.
• Minimize exposure: Protect yourself by staying indoors on high pollution days, and use air filters. Stay indoors on high-pollution days; use air filters.
• Reduce indoor pollutants: Chemical pollutants also play an equal amount of role as of air pollution, for that, avoid using chemical sprays, strong fragrances and harsh cleaners.  
• Use protective gear:  Using protective gear like, loosely covering your head and face with a scarf in polluted areas. 
• Use cleaner fuels: Shift from biomass to cleaner cooking or heating systems.

Stay Healthy and Strengthen Your Lungs: 

• Get vaccinated:  Vaccination plays a huge role in COPD prevention. Stay updated on flu and pneumonia vaccines.
• Exercise regularly:  Exercising regularly like walking, cycling, and swimming improves lung capacity.
• Eat a nutritious diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your everyday meals.
• Maintain a healthy weight:  Heavy weight can strain breathing.
• Practice good hygiene: Frequent handwashing prevents infections that worsen COPD.

The best COPD hospital in Siliguri reminds everyone that lung health is lifelong—and COPD is largely preventable with the right habits.

Recognizing Early Signs of COPD: 

At the best COPD hospital in Siliguri, doctors emphasize the importance of identifying symptoms early, as they can be easily overlooked.

Common Early Signs: 

• Chronic cough or smoker’s cough.
• Increased mucus (especially in the morning)
• Shortness of breath during activities
• Fatigue
• Wheezing

Other Signs to Watch For: 

• Frequent chest infections
• Longer recovery time from colds
• Chest tightness

Early detection at the best COPD hospital in Siliguri can slow disease progression and improve long-term breathing health.

How COPD is Diagnosed: 

Accurate and early diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the key to effective treatment and improved quality of life. Specialists at the best COPD hospital in Siliguri follow a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to identify the disease, assess its severity, and design a personalized treatment plan.

1. Initial Evaluation: Medical History & Physical Examination: 

The diagnostic process begins with a detailed review of the patient’s medical background. Doctors assess:

• Symptoms such as persistent cough, breathlessness, or excessive mucus.
• History of smoking or exposure to air pollutants, occupational dust, or chemical fumes.
• Frequency of respiratory infections or previous lung conditions.

During the physical examination, the doctor listens to the lungs using a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds such as wheezing or reduced airflow, which can indicate obstruction in the airways.

2. Primary Diagnostic Test – Spirometry: 

Spirometry is the most reliable and widely used test for diagnosing COPD. During this test, the patient takes a deep breath and forcefully exhales into a device called a spirometer, which measures:

• Lung capacity — the total volume of air you can inhale and exhale.
• Airflow speed — how quickly air can be exhaled from your lungs.

The results help determine whether airflow is limited and how severe the obstruction is. Spirometry not only confirms the presence of COPD but also helps classify its stage for proper management.

3. Additional Diagnostic Tests: 

To ensure an accurate diagnosis and rule out other conditions, specialists at the best COPD hospital in Siliguri may recommend the following tests:

• Chest X-ray: Helps visualize the lungs and rule out pneumonia, tuberculosis, or heart failure.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Detects emphysema, assesses lung structure, and measures the extent of damage.
• Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis: Evaluates oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood to assess how well the lungs are functioning.
• Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) Test: Identifies genetic factors that may increase the risk of developing COPD, especially in non-smokers.

4. The Importance of Early Detection: 

Early diagnosis of COPD can make a significant difference in managing the disease effectively. Timely medical intervention can slow disease progression, improve breathing capacity, and enhance overall quality of life.

That’s why the best COPD hospital in Siliguri emphasizes regular lung health screenings, especially for individuals with risk factors such as smoking, prolonged exposure to pollutants, or a family history of respiratory illness.

Breathe Better, Live Longer: 

If you often experience shortness of breath, chronic cough, or fatigue, don’t ignore the symptoms. Early evaluation by experienced pulmonologists can help you take control of your lung health and prevent complications.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters: 

COPD is both preventable and treatable — but only when detected in time. Many people dismiss early symptoms like cough or shortness of breath as minor issues, allowing the disease to progress silently. Seeking timely evaluation at the best COPD hospital in Siliguri can help confirm diagnosis through lung function tests, chest X-rays, and other advanced imaging techniques.

Early medical intervention can slow disease progression, reduce flare-ups, and improve life expectancy. Equally important are lifestyle measures such as quitting smoking, avoiding air pollutants, and maintaining a balanced diet to strengthen lung health.

Wrapping: 

This World COPD Day, let’s remember — every breath counts. If you or someone you know experiences frequent shortness of breath or chronic coughing, don’t ignore the signs. Reach out to experienced pulmonologists at the best COPD hospital in Siliguri for early diagnosis, proper management, and personalized care.

Together, through awareness and action, we can ensure that more people breathe freely and live fully. 

📞 Call us at: +91 03561-354100 | 9046005614
 🌐 Visit us at: www.thalamushospital.com

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you experience the symptoms of breathing issues, please consult the best COPD hospital in Siliguri. Avoid self-diagnosis or taking medications without medical guidance.