Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

By Dr. Deepak Talwar in Pulmonology, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine

Nov 15, 2017

Gone are the days, when only smokers were at high risk of developing COPD, with the change in the environment non-smokers are also at the risk because the air quality that we breathe today is toxic. The presence of various nano particles like PM 2.5, PM10, etc in the air hampers the functionality of our lungs.

These nano particles can lead to various life threatening respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, interstitial Lung Disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.

According to WHO, by the year 2030 COPD is going to be the third leading cause of death all across the globe. Every year, around 3 million of new cases of lung diseases get registered from all across the globe, out of which more than 20% cases are from India. Nearly 142.09 in every one lakh are dying due to one form of lung disease or another giving India the questionable distinction of ranking first in lung disease deaths all across the globe.

Recently National Health and Nutrition Examination conducted a survey and the results were quite surprising which shows that smoking is not the only cause of COPD but industrial pollution, transportation pollution, burning of waste materiel, etc. also increases the risk of this disease.

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Day:

Third Wednesday of every November is observed as World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day, all across the globe. The day aims to create and raise the awareness about the disease and its preventive measures.

India is changing not only in demographic, economic profile, pollution but also in terms of health burden, and disease pattern.

As mentioned by WHO (World Health Organization) database updated on January 20th 2011 it showed that more than 10 million cases are there for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in India every year, which is amongst the highest in the world.

On this day let’s join our hand together in the fight against this life threatening disease.

What is COPD?

It is a progressive lung disease which makes it hard to breathe. This disease also includes chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, emphysema, and some form of bronchiectasis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is mainly of two types:

• Chronic bronchitis includes long term cough with mucus Emphysema includes damage to the lungs over time
• Mostly people who are suffering from COPD have combination of both the conditions.

Major Cause fro this Disease:

• Smokers or former smokers are more prone to this disease.
• Inhaling heavy amount of second hand smoke and pollution
• Exposure to Fumes, chemicals and dust in the work environment
• Genetic can be another important cause or developing COPD

Symptoms of COPD:

• Coughing with lot of mucus
• Changing the color of lips or fingernails to blue or grey indicates low oxygen level in blood
• Fastening of the heartbeats
• Infections in the respiratory system
• Trouble in breathing
• Breathing with a rattling sound (Wheezing)

Many people believe that the problem of breathing and coughing is due to their aging, but they are not aware that these are the symptoms of COPD as in the early stage it is quite difficult  to diagnose this disease. The symptoms of this disease are only noticeable once it reaches to it more developed stage. So if you find these kinds of symptoms kindly visit your doctor for the checkup.

Method of Diagnosis:

Spiromerty is a lung test which can be done to diagnose COPD. This tests measures the intensity and capacity of air a person can breathe out.

Imaging test of lungs like X-rays and CT scans can be helpful to detect COPD. In X-rays there are less chances of COPD getting diagnosed as the lungs seems to be normal whereas a CT scan will show the signs of COPD.

Treatment Methods:

There is no permanent cure for COPD but there are several ways which can help to keep the disease getting worse like:

• The smokers need to quit smoking so the severity of the disorder can be handled.
• Medicines like inhaler, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling in the airways, and certain long-term antibiotics.
• Oxygen therapy to get the required amount of oxygen supply in the blood.

“Don’t ignore the symptoms, love your lungs. I urge every potential sufferer to get their lung tested and the rest to maximize the efforts to stay safe from polluted air. Making changes to your lifestyle can reduce your risk of developing COPD. Each one of us has the responsibility to raise awareness on COPD.” says Dr. Deepak Talwar, Chairman – Metro Centre for Respiratory Diseases (MCRD), Metro Group of Hospitals.