COPD to be the 3rd largest killer by 2030
For many of us the term COPD seems to be novel, but the disease has been in operation for long and killing increased number of people by and by. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) includes lung diseases that make breathing difficult by limiting the airflow in and out of the lung. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that COPD kills one person in every 10 seconds globally and predicts that it will become the third leading cause of death by 2030 unless urgent action is taken to reduce underlying risk factors. Experts identified increased use of tobacco (including second-hand or passive exposure), indoor air pollution specially through cooking on cow dung and wooden fire, using kerosene stoves for cooking, exposure to occupational dusts and chemicals (such as vapors, irritants, and fumes), frequent lower respiratory infections during childhood are the major risk factors for developing COPD. Until recently, healthcare professional believe that tobacco smoking is the key reason behind COPD. However, a recent study conducted at 22 villages of Pune in India revealed that at least 93 per cent of those who had COPD were non-smokers. They find indoor air pollution key reason linked to COPD there. People with COPD experience symptoms like breathlessness (breathing difficulty), chronic cough with sputum. Daily activities, such as walking up a short flight of stairs or carrying a suitcase, can become very difficult as the condition gradually worsens. Although there is no cure for COPD, we can prevent development of COPD by reducing risk factors like reducing tobacco use, air pollution. Another important way to reduce mortality and morbidity due to COPD is to test our lung for early diagnosis. COPD can be diagnosed by a simple test, called spirometry, which measures how much air a person can inhale and exhale. As COPD develops slowly, it is crucial to test to prevent complications, help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. COPD is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation in Bangladesh. Moreover, almost 90 percent deaths from COPD occur in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. There are simple diagnostic test, medicines available to combat COPD, but many people do not aware of it. They neglect the disease as seasonal cough and cold. Many are diagnosed when their disease progressed to an advanced stage. Like heart attack, COPD can cause lung attack. We need to increase the level of awareness about COPD and its consequences. We need to work together to reduce secondhand smoke due to any cause to prevent development of COPD, to help people breathe easily.
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