By Samachar Vishesh
News
Chandigarh 19th November:- In order to create awareness on Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary diseases (COPD), a team of Doctors from PARAS Hospitals
Panchkula shared the various facts and myths regarding the diseases related
with lungs. Presnt on the occasion were Dr S K Gupta Sr Consultant Pulmonology,
Dr Sumit Jain Sr Consulat Medicine & Dr Ashsih Arora Consulatnt Critical
Care Throughout the world millions of people are affected by COPD Diseases
including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma,
and some forms of bronchiectasis. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to
describe progressive lung diseases. This disease is characterized by
increasing breathlessness.
Shedding light on the ailment Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease (COPD) and its treatments, Dr. S K Gupta Senior Consultant Pulmonology, PARAS
Hospital Panchkula said that COPD 2nd Largest killer after Heart Problems
& Cancer worldwide. Many people mistake their increased breathlessness and coughing as a normal part of
aging. He said that in the early stages of the disease, you may not notice the
symptoms. COPD can develop for years without noticeable shortness of breath.
You begin to see the symptoms in the more developed stages of the
disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive
form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterized by a
restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing
difficult.
Sharing his
experience Dr Sumit Jain Senior
Consultant Internal Medicine, PARAS Hospital Panchkula said that COPD most often occurs in people 40
years of age and older who have a history of smoking. These may be individuals
who are current or former smokers. Not everybody but most of the individuals
who have COPD (about 90% of them) have smoked. He further said that COPD can
also occur in those who have had long-term contact with harmful lung irritants
in the workplace like chemicals, dust, or fumes, organic cooking fuel, may also
cause COPD. Even if an individual has never smoked or been exposed
to pollutants for an extended period of time, they can still develop
COPD. ‘COPD prevalence is around 5.5 to 7.55% in Indian. ’ Recent studies
suggest prevalence rate of COPD in males is as high as 22% in men and 19%
in females.
On this occasion Dr Ashish Arora, Sr Consultant Critical Care said
that many sufferers have trouble walking short distances and are especially
susceptible to illness and pneumonia. Often, sufferers need oxygen support 24
hours per day. If you show signs of emphysema or chronic bronchitis you may have
COPD. The long term effects of COPD
result in an enlargement of the right side of the heart and eventual death. There is no permanent cure for COPD, but treatment options are
available to prevent more damage and improve quality of life.’
Dr S K
Gupta further added that also, as the temperature
drops, people having COPD are more prone to illness. More colds, flu, and other
respiratory viruses make the rounds in cold weather. The symptom becomes
more aggravated during colder weather. The effects of cold weather on the lungs
can be extreme and chronic exposure to cold environments is known to cause
dramatic changes to the respiratory system.
The lungs provide oxygen to
the bloodstream and the heart pumps blood, delivering oxygen to various parts
throughout the body. With an onset of low to extreme temperatures blood vessels
begin to narrow, restricting blood flow and depriving the heart of oxygen. The
heart is forced to pump harder, which ultimately increases blood pressure. In
mild winters particularly, the largest strain on the respiratory system can be
found, leading to a higher rate of cold-related mortality among the
elderly. That’s why it is important that you talk to your doctor as soon
as you notice any of these symptoms. Ask your doctor about taking a spirometry (Pulmonary Function Test) test. ‘
Early screening can
identify COPD before major loss of lung function occurs. Most cases of COPD are
caused by inhaling pollutants; that includes smoking (cigarettes, pipes,
cigars, etc.), and second-hand smoke. Fumes, chemicals and dust found in many
work environments are contributing factors for many individuals who develop
COPD. Genetics can also play a role in an individual’s development of COPD—even
if the person has never smoked or has ever been exposed to strong lung
irritants in the workplace.’
On this occasion, Ashish Chadha, Facility Director Paras
Hospital Panchkula said that the
current scenario demands an immediate emphasis be laid on preventive
healthcare. This involves raising awareness about COPD & other Lung disease
and its risk factors. Conducting public education programs, workshops and
counseling sessions for creating awareness at a mass level.
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