World COPD Day
COPD 3rd largest killer after heart problems, cancer worldwide: Dr. Sonal
Chandigarh 19 November: “COPD is 3rd largest killer after heart problems & cancer worldwide. Many people mistake their increased breathlessness and coughing as a normal part of aging. In the early stages of the disease, you may not notice the symptoms. COPD can develop for years without noticeable shortness of breath,”
Dr. Sonal pulmonologist at Livasa Hospital Mohali said that you begin to see the symptoms in the more developed stages of the disease as COPD is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe.
It affects nearly 63 million people in India, which is about 32 % of the world’s COPD population, she pointed out.
Dr Suresh Kumar Goyal senior pulmonologist said, “COPD causes more deaths than AIDS, TB, malaria & diabetes all put together. Its prevalence is around 5.5 % to 7.55% in India. Recent studies suggest the prevalence rate of COPD in males is as high as 22% in men and 19% in females.”
said,” COPD is an incurable and progressive condition, which inflames airways in lungs and destroys air sacs. The long-term effects of COPD result in an enlargement of the right side of the heart and eventual death, maintained Dr Ranjeet Kumar Gone consultant internal medicine.”
Smoking accounts for 46 % of cases of COPD, followed by outdoor & indoor pollution which account for 21% COPD case and occupation exposure to gases and fumes accounting for 16 % cases, informed Dr Jagpal Pandher consultant internal medicine.”
Meanwhile Livasa Hospital is Punjab’s biggest super speciality hospital network with 5 hospitals, 750 beds, 280 ICU beds, 06 cath labs, 20 modular OTs and the healthcare chain treats over 3 lakh patients every year.
COPD Risk Factors
· A history of childhood respiratory infections
· Smoke exposure from coal or wood burning stove
· Exposure to secondhand smoke
· People with a history of asthma
· People who have underdeveloped lungs
· Those who are 40 and older as lung function declines as you age.
Signs and symptoms of COPD:
· Chest tightness
· Chronic cough that may produce clear, white, yellow or green mucus
· Frequent respiratory infections
· Lack of energy
· Unintended weight loss
· Shortness of breath
· Swelling in the ankles, feet or legs
· Wheezing
