Smoking responsible for 46% of COPD cases- experts
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third biggest killer after heart disease and cancer worldwide. Many people consider increasing shortness of breath and coughing a normal part of aging. In the early stages of the disease, you may not notice symptoms. COPD can develop for years without even causing shortness of breath.”
City Air News
Nov 14, 2023 05:00
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Chandigarh November 14, 2023: “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third biggest killer after heart disease and cancer worldwide. Many people consider increasing shortness of breath and coughing a normal part of aging. In the early stages of the disease, you may not notice symptoms. COPD can develop for years without even causing shortness of breath.”
Sharing various facts and myths about lung-related diseases, a team of doctors from IVY Hospital, Mohali, said during a press conference on Tuesday that you start seeing symptoms in the more advanced stages of the disease. COPD is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by a restriction on the flow of air in and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult.
Senior Consultant Pulmonology Dr Suresh Kumar Goyal said, COPD often occurs in people aged 40 years and above who have a history of smoking. These may be individuals who are current or former smokers. Not everyone, but most (about 90%) people suffering from COPD have smoked. COPD can also occur in people who have long-term exposure to harmful lung irritants such as workplace chemicals, dust or fumes from organic cooking fuels.
Consultant Pulmonology Dr Sonal said that the prevalence of COPD in India is around 5.5% to 7.55%. Recent studies show that the prevalence rate of COPD is 22% in men and 19% in women.
Consultant Internal Medicine Dr Ranjit Kumar Gone said that COPD is an incurable and progressive condition, which inflames the airways in the lungs and destroys the air sacs. Patients often cough, wheeze and have trouble breathing. Many sufferers have trouble walking short distances and are particularly vulnerable to disease and pneumonia. Often victims require oxygen support 24 hours a day.
Consultant Internal Medicine Dr Jagpal Pandher said India's COPD mortality rate is the highest in the world at 98 deaths per 1 lakh population, which is 3 times the US rate of 33 deaths per 1 lakh population. Smoking is responsible for 46% of COPD cases, followed by outdoor and indoor pollution which is responsible for 21% of COPD cases and occupational exposure to gases and smoke is responsible for 16% of COPD cases.
