There is no end to air pollution across the globe.
India is seeing an uptick in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). As
per the World Health Organisation (WHO), COPD is the leading cause of death in
India. Pollution levels in India remain unabated, resulting in a surge in lung
diseases leading to COPD. The prevalence of COPD is higher in women than men.
It can have a genetic component attached to it. In COPD, the lung gets damaged.
Contributing factors
The higher prevalence of COPD in India is a matter
of worry. COPD affects the lungs and, in the long term, causes much damage to
them.
Smoking cigarettes is the most significant
contributor to COPD. Outdoor air pollution and biomass fuel contribute to the
rising cases of COPD. In an aged population, people residing in rural areas are
prone to COPD.
Northern India faced severe winter pollution, which
resulted in COPD among the population. Adding to the woes, stubble burning
aggravated the situation.
Symptoms
Infection in the lungs makes breathing difficult in
COPD. Coughing, phlegm, wheezing, respiratory infections, shortness of breath,
and other symptoms are symptoms. The disease is progressive and becomes severe
over time if timely treatment is not taken.
A damaged, infected lung prevents air from flowing
into and out of the lungs. The resulting obstruction leads to the formation of
phlegm. A whistling, wheezing sound echoes while breathing in and out.
The two types of COPD are emphysema and chronic
bronchitis. The lining of the tubes that bring air into the lungs gets
inflated, in chronic bronchitis. In emphysema, the tiny sacs or alveoli of the
lungs get infected.
Prevention and treatment
Timely treatment holds the key to preventing COPD.
Patients suffering from COPD should avoid polluted
localities. Quitting smoking tobacco products can help in the long run. Using
green fuel in vehicles, etc, can bring down COPD incidences.
Inhalers and antibiotics can provide much-needed
relief. Depending on the severity of the infection, respiratory rehabilitation
is also suggested. Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines aid in preventing COPD.
Patients with severe COPD can opt for lung transplants.
A spirometry test measures the lung functions to
diagnose COPD. The spirometer machine measures how fast an individual inhales
and exhales air. The test allows a doctor to detect whether a person suffers
from COPD before the symptoms appear.
There are exercises to boost lung health. Breathing
exercises and yoga can give respite to a great extent.
The outlook
With no end to indoor and outdoor pollution, eradicating COPD is challenging. Seeking medical help will help patients with COPD recover faster. A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise will help COPD patients in the long run. Awareness of controlling pollution is the key to eradicating COPD.
