The 19th annual World COPD Day is November 18, 2020. COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – includes the chronic lung conditions of chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are characterized by airflow obstruction and breathing-related problems. COPD is a major cause of illness, with an estimated 300 million cases worldwide, and is the 3rd leading cause of death globally. There is no cure for COPD. Cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of COPD. Efforts to prevent COPD focus on limiting exposure to smoking. Occupational exposures are important causes of COPD, contributing to an estimated 14% of all cases and
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