LUCKNOW, Nov. 18 -- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD), is partially reversible, and the rate of deterioration of the lungs can be slowed down by medication, said experts. Around 50 crore people are suffering with COPD globally, while five crore to five crore 50 lakh people are in the grip of the disease in India, they said.

On World COPD Day, observed on November 19, the theme this year is "Short of Breath, Think of COPD". The aim is to raise awareness about the disease, and the day's activities include health check-ups and educational programmes, and focus on prevention, diagnosis, and management of COPD.

Prof RAS Kushwaha, department of respiratory medicine, KGMU, said that COPD can be treated with medicines and the conditi...