Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Delhi city is going through a bad period with reference to ambient air quality now a days. The Delhi’s poor air quality remained in the ‘severe’ category and it has became a major issued for Delhities to survive. According to sources, the overall air quality index (AQI) of various part of Delhi-NCR is still severe and its worse in Delhi’s satellite cities. Despite all the necessary steps taken by the concerned agencies, once again Such adverse situations are very critical and harmful for the people suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and there is a need for such people to reduce the risk for them.
Experts says that the people suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) should avoid the secondhand smoke/dust/fumes and Environmental smoke. As you know situations or factors like smoke from burning wood, charcoal, crop residue are comes under the Environmental smoke and it must be checked for the normal atmospheres for the healthy people. Air Pollutions alertness is essential as outdoor activities can cause troubles for such persons.
Studies indicate that such long-term exposure to pollution can reduce life expectancy by altering lung function and making people more susceptible to COPD. In a report published by WHO, it recognized that air pollution is a critical risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), causing an estimated 43 percent of all adult deaths from COPD.
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What is COPD
COPD, also known as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a group of progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma which causes difficulty in breathing and severe exacerbation. The symptoms of COPD like chronic dry cough or cough with phlegm, shortness of breath or wheezing are often confused with asthma or other respiratory disorders. Hence, the disease is often misdiagnosed, contributing to further worsening of the quality of life. The disease is irreversible and can only be managed with effective treatment.
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Studies reveal that, about 33.6 percent of COPD disability adjusted life years (DALYs) could be attributed to ambient air pollution, 25.8 percent to household air pollution and 21 percent to smoking.
Despite being the leading cause of mortality amongst all non-communicable diseases, COPD receives scant attention as a women’s health issue. It has been found that women are more likely to die of COPD than of breast and lung cancer combined.
According to Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Director & HOD-BLK Centre for Chest & Respiratory Diseases, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, “Once again, the citizens of Delhi-NCR are battling the annual phenomenon of severe air pollution and smog. The current level of pollution is extremely dangerous for human health, and prolonged exposure is the key risk factor for developing several respiratory diseases, including COPD.
He further added that though the progression of COPD is comparatively slow, it is an irreversible disease and accounts for high death rates and hospitalizations. Therefore, it is important for patients to not ignore symptoms like chronic dry cough, cough with phlegm, shortness of breath or wheezing. The symptoms of COPD should not be confused with asthma or other respiratory diseases as it delays treatment. It is most advisable to consult a pulmonologist if one experiences any of these symptoms frequently or for a prolonged duration. Advanced treatment options can help improve patient’s quality of life and improve further progression of the disease.”
COPD in Women:
Women are more susceptible to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than men.[5] The number of new cases of COPD is growing nearly three times faster in women than in men every year.
Women living with COPD have more disease flare-ups and use more healthcare resources. There is also higher prevalence of other co-existing diseases such as anxiety and depression, in female COPD patients.
In India, 70 percent of the homes use biomass fuel for cooking and heating purposes in poorly ventilated kitchens and the amount of particulate matter pollution generated by the burning of biomass fuel is extremely high[7]. Biomass fuels are now considered a major cause for development of COPD.
Dr. Ashok Mahasur, Consultant Chest Physician, Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai says, “A significant number of working women in tier 1 and 2 cities, who mostly have a hectic work schedule have started indulging in social smoking or are exposed to passive smoke at their workplaces. They often don’t realize that they are placing their health at risk which could result in chronic irreversible diseases like COPD. Previously COPD was found to be more common in men, however, due to comparably high levels of tobacco smoking among women especially in high income urban centers, the disease now affects men and women almost equally.”
Treatment for COPD
Preventing exacerbations is one of the primary goals of long-term care for COPD patients. These episodes have a detrimental effect on quality of life and disease progression, contributing to further lung function decline and, in severe cases, hospitalizationand even death.
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As per the FLAME study, published by the New England Journal of Medicine, LABA/LAMA dual bronchodilator significantly reduced the rate reduced the rate of moderate or severe exacerbations with a 17% risk reduction and prolonged the time to the first of these episodes with a 22% risk reduction, amongst COPD patients.
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Note: Please note that the tips/suggestions mentioned in the article are only for general information purposes to keep you updated about the issue which is expected to common people and these should not be construed/ followed as professional medical advice. We recommend and request you always to consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter regarding the topic.
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Note: Please note that the tips/suggestions mentioned in the article are only for general information purposes to keep you updated about the issue which is expected to common people and these should not be construed/ followed as professional medical advice. We recommend and request you always to consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter regarding the topic.
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