COPD Awareness Month 2025: Raising Awareness
Every November, the global health community unites to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, yet remains widely underdiagnosed and misunderstood.
This year’s World COPD Day, organized by GOLD (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease), will take place on November 19, 2025, under the theme “Short of Breath, Think COPD.”
The message is clear: COPD is common, preventable, and treatable. But too often, it goes undetected until it’s advanced. Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
Table of Contents
Why COPD Awareness Matters
COPD is currently the third leading cause of death worldwide, yet many people with symptoms, like persistent cough, breathlessness, or frequent respiratory infections, are not tested or treated appropriately.
Raising awareness is not just about statistics. It’s about empowering people living with COPD and equipping healthcare professionals with the right tools to recognize and manage the disease earlier.
That’s why, at Respiplus, we’re dedicating this month to sharing education, practical tools, and free learning resources for patients and professionals alike.
Free Resources to Learn and Take Control
Whether you’re living with COPD, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare, you can use these evidence-based resources to stay informed and confident in your management decisions.
1. Living Well with COPD™ | Updated Learning Modules (April 2025 Edition)
Our newly updated Living Well with COPD modules offer practical, easy to understand guidance to help you manage COPD with more confidence. Based on more than 25 years of expertise, these free resources support better daily coping, symptom control and decision making.
What’s inside
- Simple explanations of COPD and how it affects your lungs
- Breathing techniques and daily strategies to reduce breathlessness
- Updated guidance on medications and inhaler use
- How to spot early warning signs and act quickly
- New modules on understanding COPD and creating an action plan
- Videos, visuals and printable tools
All modules are mobile friendly and designed for quick, everyday learning.
2. Managing Stress and Anxiety with COPD
Emotional well being is an essential part of COPD management. Stress, anxiety and fear can make symptoms feel worse, creating a cycle that impacts breathing and confidence. This guide explains why this happens and offers simple, practical techniques to regain calm and feel more in control.
Highlights include
- How stress affects breathing
- Ways to interrupt the anxiety breathlessness cycle
- Tools for relaxation and mindset
- Techniques to communicate your needs to others
3. COPD and Exercise: A Practical Guide
Regular movement is one of the most powerful ways to improve lung function, energy levels and overall well being. This article shows you how to start safely, even if you feel limited, and explains why small steps can make a big difference.
Inside the guide
- Why exercise improves breathing
- How to build a safe and progressive activity routine
- Tips for staying motivated
- Guidance for days when symptoms feel stronger
4. COPD and Oxygen Therapy: What You Need to Know
Oxygen therapy can be an important part of treatment for people with advanced COPD. This resource explains who needs oxygen, how it works and how to use equipment safely at home, outdoors or during travel.
You will learn
- How oxygen supports the lungs
- When a clinician may recommend therapy
- Safety tips and daily habits
- How to feel more confident using your equipment
5. The eXpand Podcast | Season 3: COPD
This podcast season brings together experts, stories and discussions that help listeners better understand COPD, treatments and the lived experience of managing a chronic condition. It is an easy way to learn while on the go.
Episodes explore
- Early diagnosis and why it matters
- Symptom management strategies
- Real patient stories and practical advice
- Insights from clinicians who specialise in COPD
6. Why Self Management Changes Everything in COPD Care
In this exclusive World COPD Day conversation, Maria Sedeno speaks with Dr Bourbeau about the importance of self management as a core part of COPD care. The video explains why information alone is not enough, why many patients resist being told what to do and how meaningful conversations can lead to real behaviour change.
This special video covers
- How to build confidence and autonomy
- Why communication is key in COPD care
- How professionals can support patient motivation
- The power of written action plans and early symptom recognition
7. Learn More About COPD
If you are looking for a complete overview of COPD, this resource hub brings together essential information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and long term management. It is an ideal starting point for anyone wanting to understand the condition in depth.
Explore
- Causes and risk factors
- What to expect during diagnosis
- Treatment pathways based on evidence
- Practical tips for daily living
Special Offer for COPD Awareness Month
To celebrate COPD Awareness Month, we’re offering our community an exclusive 25% discount on all COPD-related courses from eXpand by Respiplus™.
Use the code COPD at checkout, valid until November 30, 2025.
COPD Management for Healthcare Professionals
Enhance your confidence in diagnosing and managing COPD based on the latest Canadian guidelines.
COPD Management for Exercise Professionals
Learn how to safely design and adapt exercise programs for individuals living with COPD.
Proper Use of Inhaled Medication (Asthma and COPD)
Master the correct use of inhaled medications, one of the most important yet overlooked aspects of COPD care.
World COPD Day 2025: “Short of Breath, Think COPD”
This year’s theme highlights the urgent need for earlier diagnosis and better awareness among both patients and healthcare professionals.
COPD should be considered in any patient who has:
- Shortness of breath
- Chronic cough or sputum production
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- A history of smoking or exposure to environmental pollutants
Earlier testing means earlier treatment, and better lives for millions.
Join Us in Raising Awareness
COPD Awareness Month is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a reminder that knowledge saves lives.
Let’s continue the conversation, share resources, and work together to ensure that no one living with COPD is left short of breath without answers.