Incidences
of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have become a severe health
hazard. Thanks to massive air pollution, India is in a race with the US and
China in the number of patients with COPD. According to a Lancet study, India
could face the third highest economic burden due to COPD by 2050.
As we all
know, the infrastructural boom across sectors has taken a toll on air quality.
This
results in various pulmonary diseases. Pneumonia and asthma have become common
among many, including children. All these are leading to Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease or COPD.
Come
winter, stubble burning will lead to many suffering from lung diseases, which
in turn lead to COPD in the long run. Pollution resulting from fine dust
particles causes extensive damage to the lungs. Construction sites, etc.,
produce carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. All
these are detrimental to health, affecting the lungs. COPD sets in, with a
majority of the patients suffering from some form of lung disease.
The
younger population is at risk. For example, Vaping, smoking, etc, have led to
early detection of damaged lungs.
All these
are culminating in COPD. The elderly are at risk from COPD, with many
succumbing to the disease. Males are more infected with COPD than females.
Symptoms
People
suffering from COPD may not be chain smokers. The irony is that people who are
non-smokers and have quit smoking are prone to COPD. E.g., asthma, emphysema,
chronic bronchitis, and other pulmonary diseases lead to COPD.
The four
stages of COPD are mild, moderate, severe, and very severe.
People
with COPD experience breathing trouble, wheezing, whistling sounds, etc.
Heaviness
in the chest, frequent lung infections, etc, are other symptoms. Lack of energy
while walking, lethargy sets in. The lung is under severe stress, and COPD
causes permanent damage to it.
People
with COPD have their lungs clogged with phlegm. The airways that help with
breathing narrow down.
Cure
It is a
slow death for people suffering from COPD. With no treatment for COPD yet, it
is a long drag along with the disease. People with mild and moderate forms of
pneumonia and chronic asthma may develop COPD.
Various
treatments can help to reduce the progression and may bring some relief.
Inhalers, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, etc., help. Nebulizers can
give much-needed relief.
The
SARS-CoV-2 virus led to severe respiratory diseases, among many leading to
COPD. COVID-19 vaccines and antibiotics aid in treating COPD patients. Also,
flu and pneumonia vaccines bring some relief to COPD patients. Chest X-rays and
lung scans can detect the damage.
COPD
patients should undergo spirometry tests, lung volume tests, pulse oximetry
tests, blood tests, etc.
Severe
forms of COPD need hospitalization.
Awareness
Curbing
air pollution in India seems to be a distant dream. And with it, keeping COPD
under control. May succumb to COPD while others suffer and encounter a long,
silent death from the disease.
Smoking
is the most significant contributor to COPD. Yet, non-smokers are at equal risk
from the disease. Burning of fossil fuels, pollution from cars, etc, add to the
worries.
A
pulmonologist will aid patients with breathing difficulties.
The
burden of COPD is immense and affects day-to-day activities. In this scenario,
it is better to avoid residing in areas with severe pollution.
Diwali is
burning crackers during the festival of light under the government’s lens. A
proactive step to ban firecrackers is the right step to curb air pollution. It
will bring respite to a large number of COPD patients.
With
winter setting in, cases of COPD will be on the rise. Patients suffering from
respiratory diseases will be under severe stress.
Proper evaluation of disease management and awareness are the key to avoiding COPD.
