Every November, people around the world raise awareness for COPD. An opportunity to shine light on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a long term lung condition that affects millions. While the day raises awareness of prevention and early diagnosis, it's equally as important to focus on those living with this disease already and the role friends and family can play in supporting them.
Understanding COPD
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions that cause long-term, irreversible narrowing of the airways and difficulty breathing such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Damage keeps air from moving in and out of the lungs freely, limiting their ability to provide oxygen to the bloodstream and take away carbon dioxide.
Smoking is the main cause of COPD, and is responsible for around 9 in 10 cases. Exposure to dust and chemicals at work can also increase your risk. Although there is currently no cure, with early intervention, the right treatment, and ongoing support, people can manage symptoms effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.
How to Support a Loved One Living with COPD
1. Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Lifestyle changes can make a real difference. Encourage your loved one to:
- Stop smoking (If they haven't already). Giving up smoking isn't easy, especially for someone who has used this habit for years. Offering your help in finding resources for them to stop can be a great start and the most effective way to slow down COPD progression.
- Eat a balanced diet to maintain energy and overall health. Keeping the whole of your body healthy is equally as important.
- Stay active with light exercise. Always consult your health care professionals before doing so. Exercise can improve breathing and improve symptoms. Top Tip: Many people living with COPD may be worried about getting breathless and can therefore avoid physical activity. Always listen to your body and know your limits. This doesn't make you weaker!
2. Understand Their Treatment Plan
Learn about your loved one's medication, inhalers, and oxygen therapy (if used). Knowing how and when treatments are taken means you can help if symptoms worsen or if they need assistance remembering doses. Supporting them in collecting prescriptions can also reduce stress and help them stay on track.
3. Offer Emotional and Practical Support
Living with COPD can be emotionally draining and can worsen symptoms. Feeling anxious or depressed can be common as daily activities can become more challenging. Always listen without judgement and have patience when your loved one is completing a task. It's not a race to complete daily activities fast but to get them done at a pace that suits everybody.
Small gestures like accompanying them to hospital appointments or simply being there on darker days will do your loved one a world of good.
4. Create a COPD-Friendly Home Environment
Air quality is of top importance for people with COPD. Keep the home smoke-free, avoid using strong cleaning products or aerosols. Always ensure good ventilation. During colder months, help protect your loved one from respiratory infections by encouraging flu and pneumonia vaccinations and ensuring they stay warm and hydrated. Like wise, if you're not feeling well try to avoid close contact.
5. Get Involved and Raise Awareness
- Sharing on social media can be the starting point of movement, let that be you!
- Volunteering at your local charity or offering your skill set is a great way to get involved
- Wearing orange is a way to show support and raise awareness this November
- The theme for World COPD Day this year is "Short of Breath, Think COPD". This aims to raise awareness about the high number of undiagnosed and misdiagnosed cases of COPD
A Breath of Support
COPD Awareness Day is more than just a date on the calendar, it's a reminder of the power of understanding and community. At WheezyDoesIt they offer easy to understand information on COPD and can help you and your loved ones navigate their journey. Let's stand together on November 19th and every breath matters.
We are deeply grateful to Rosie Buckley who generously contributed this insightful article. Your dedication to raising COPD awareness and supporting those affected by this condition is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and helping us create a more supportive community for everyone navigating their COPD journey.
References:
Buckley, Rosie. (2025) 'This 19th November, Let's Talk COPD: Supporting a Loved One', WheezyDoesit, 13 October 2025. Available at: https://wheezydoesit.co.uk/about.html (Accessed ). Follow Rosie on Instagram: @rosiewithapen
British Lung Foundation. (2025) 'COPD Support and Information', British Lung Foundation. Available at: https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/copd (Accessed ).
NHS. (2025) 'Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)', NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/ (Accessed ).
World Health Organization. (2025) 'Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)', WHO. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd) (Accessed ).
COPD Foundation. (2025) 'COPD Support and Resources', COPD Foundation. Available at: https://www.copdfoundation.org/ (Accessed ).
Helping Hands Home Care. (2025) 'COPD Care: Supporting Your Emotional Wellbeing', Helping Hands Home Care. Available at: https://www.helpinghandshomecare.co.uk/home-care-services/condition-led-care/copd-care/#:~:text=Supporting%20Your%20Emotional,not%20go%20alone. (Accessed ).
Healthline. (2025) 'COPD and Pneumonia: Understanding Your Risk', Healthline. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/copd-and-pneumonia-understanding-your-risk (Accessed ).