Hoshiarpur/ November 27/Daljeet Ajnoha : A team of doctors including Dr Tirath Singh associate director internal medicine and Dr Manbir Singh consultant internal medicine at Livasa Hospital, Hoshiarpur clarified various facts and myths about deadly chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) on Tuesday.
LIVASA Hospital is Punjab’s biggest super speciality hospital network with 5 hospitals, 750 beds, 280 ICU beds, 6 cath labs, 20 modular Ots. The healthcare chain treats over 3-lakh patients every year.
Millions of people all around the world are affected by COPD diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis, said Dr Tirath Singh.
“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.”
COPD is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe and affects nearly 63 million people in India, which is about 32 % of world’s COPD population, he informed.
Dr Manvir Singh said “COPD causes more deaths than AIDS, TB, malaria & diabetes all put together. COPD most often occurs in people 40 years of age and older who have a history of smoking. 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.
There is no permanent cure for COPD, but treatment options are available to prevent more damage and improve quality of life, he said.
As the temperature drops, people who have COPD are more prone to illness. 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. If a COPD patient develops COVID, it is really life threatening, Dr Manbir maintained.
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