Dehradun, November 16th, 2021: In order to create awareness on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD), the pulmonologists at Max Hospital, Dehradun today shared various facts and myths regarding the problems related with lungs. COPD is progressive respiratory disease due to inhaled toxic,noxious particles from smoking and pollution. Prevalence of COPD in more men compared with women.As per Dr. Puneet Tyagi, Associate Director – Pulmonology at Max Hospital, Dehradun, “Many people mistake their
increased breathlessness and coughing as a normal part of aging. In the early stages of the disease, one may not notice the symptoms. COPD can develop for years without noticeable shortness of breath. Person begins to see the symptoms in the more developed stages. COPD is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe,characterised by obstruction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult”.COPD is mostly seen in people above 40 years of age with a definite history of smoking. COPD can also occur in those who have had long-term contact with harmful lung irritants in the workplace like chemicals, dust, or fumes and organic cooking fuel. In India especially in hilly region people tend to cook with charcoal or firewood exposing them to the toxic fumes and is a major cause of non-smoker COPD.
With the change in weather, people with COPD are more prone to illness. The cold weather aggravates symptoms on onlungsof those with COPD and is known to cause changes to the respiratory system exposing them to secondary bacterial/viral/fungal infections. While, there is no cure to COPD but proper medical treatments are available which can improve quality of life. In addition to offering medications, oxygen therapy, or pulmonary rehabilitation, one should make lifestyle changes. “Never more important” is the theme for world COPD day this year, so let us all pledge to quit smoking right from today as it is the 2nd biggest cause of non communicable deaths in India. Making changes to the daily habits can play a key role in decreasing the physical symptoms.
One should quit smoking, eat a nutritious diet, stay active, maintain a safe environment (avoid air pollution, indoor fumes and passive smoking, stop chullah cooking). Dr. Vaibhav Chachra, Sr. Consultant, Department of Pulmonology at Max Hospital Dehradun explained, “There has been an increase in smoking in adolescent and young through various forms. Hence the age of presentation is much younger now. COPD can develop in non-smoker individuals due to passive smoking and environmental tobacco smoke.
It all leads to lung injury, impaired lung growth, lung and systematic inflammation, decreased lung function and capacity to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide.”He further added, “High level of urban air pollution are harmful to existing heart and lung diseases. There is increase morbidity in COPD patient with increasing age, there is high economic burden in COPD patient, long standing treatment, oxygen and BIPAP support and recurrent hospitalization.” Doctors advise that to prevent COPD one must stop smoking and avoid burning woods. The treatment for COPD requires a more holistic approach and umbrella treatment in the form of medication, pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccination.
