ACCP, OneBreath and COPD Alliance to unite on World Spirometry Day

The American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), OneBreath®, the COPD Alliance, and thousands of organizations worldwide will unite on World Spirometry Day, June 27, to promote lung health and elevate the status of often overlooked lung conditions, reinforcing the value of spirometry in the diagnosis of these conditions. Spirometry, which translated means "measuring of breath," is one of the few examinations in medicine that is extremely simple to perform and provides very valuable information used in diagnosing lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

World Spirometry Day provides health-care professionals with the opportunity to promote the diagnosis of lung disorders, encourage people to get their lungs tested, and raise awareness about lung health. This year, World Spirometry Day coincides with the 2012 summer Olympic Games, providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of good lung health, with a special focus on fitness and respiratory health.

To observe World Spirometry Day, the ACCP, OneBreath®, COPD Alliance, University of Chicago, Rush Medical Center Respiratory Care Division, National Lung Health Education Program, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, and the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago are partnering to provide free COPD screenings and lung health consultations. The event, held on June 27 at the Thompson Center in Chicago, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, will challenge Chicagoans to answer the question, "Do you know your lung age?"

"Regardless of age or health status, everyone should understand the importance of lung health and the impact of chronic lung diseases," said ACCP President Suhail Raoof, MBBS, FCCP. "That is why World Spirometry Day is so important; it allows clinicians and patients to collectively raise awareness about COPD—a leading cause of death in America—and promote healthy lungs in our local communities."