World COPD Day 2016! Where Do We Stand?
Mangaluru: Addressing the media persons during a press meet held at Mangalore Press Club, Dr Shobitha Rao Bhat- Dept. of Pulmonology, Indiana Hospital said, ” World COPD day will happen this week on November 17th, 2016. COPD is acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.The aim of this day is to spread awareness among people on various aspects of COPD. This includes the cause for COPD, symptoms, importance of early diagnosis and last but not the least prevention of the disease. As per WHO, COPD is among the top 10 leading cause for death worldwide. It ranks 4th next only to Ischemic heart disease, stroke and respiratory infections. While the awareness among people on what causes heart disease and stroke is high, people are also aware of what steps are necessary to prevent these diseases. The same is not true for COPD. Millions of people suffer from COPD but only few know what the disease is and what can be done to prevent it.”
She further said, “COPD is a disease of the lung parenchyma and airways which is characterized by narrowing of the airways due to damage by harmful gases and particles. Thus, exposure to harmful gases and particles is necessary for COPD to occur. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause worldwide for COPD. About half of lifelong smokers eventually develop COPD. Exposure to cigarette smoke among pregnant women has been found to increase the risk of lung disease in foetus. Other types of tobacco like beedi, cigars, pipes are also implicated. Marijuana is also a risk factor. The exposure to cigarette smoke can be active (inhaled by the one who is smoking) or passive (inhaled by the people who are not smoking themselves, but present in vicinity). Both are risk factors for airway disease.”
“In India and other developing countries, there is another important cause for COPD. Use of firewood, dung, crop residues and other biomass as fuel for cooking and heating water releases gases and particulate matter which has been linked to COPD. Smoke from these contributes to high levels of indoor air pollution especially if the ventilation is poor. These gases and particles can lead to significant damage to the airways causing them to narrow and thus lead to COPD.The exposure is high among women and is an important cause for non-smoker COPD.” added Dr Shobitha.
She also said, “Other exposures which are linked to COPD include occupational exposures to organic and inorganic dusts. The industries associated with generating particles linked to COPD include coal mining, cotton textile industry, gold mining, welding, agriculture farms and many others. Occupational exposure is reported to cause about 10 to 20% of cases. Common disease like asthma if not adequately managed can also lead to permanent airway damage and hence COPD.
“Airway damage of COPD is not completely reversible. The damage results in narrowing of the airways and loss of normal elasticity of lung. This affects the normal functioning of the lung.There is lot of mucus production which results in the cough with or without phlegm. It also results in difficulty of breathing air in and out of lungs causing breathlessness. This is especially worsened on exertion. If not adequately managed it leads to worsening of symptoms resulting in poor quality of life. Diagnosis of COPD is confirmed by a test called Spirometry which assesses lung function. The treatment aims at decreasing symptoms, improving quality of life and preventing further damage to the lungs” said Dr. Shobitha Rao Bhat
On November 17th, Department of Pulmonology, Indiana Hospital is organizing free spirometry screening for individuals with above mentioned risk factors for COPD. Specialist consultation will be done at concession rate. Though it is aimed at patients with likely COPD, other people including older children with respiratory symptoms like cough, breathing difficulty can also avail the benefit on that day. For more details please contact: 0824-2880880.