Hoshiarpur: To create awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a team of doctors from Livasa Hospital, Hoshiarpur today shed light on various facts and myths about lung-related diseases. Associate Director of Internal Medicine Dr. Tirath Singh and Consultant Internal Medicine Dr. Manbir Singh were present on the occasion.
Dr Tirath Singh, Associate Director, Internal Medicine, shed light on COPD and its treatment, saying, “COPD is the third most deadly disease worldwide after heart problems and cancer. Many people mistake difficulty breathing and coughing for the normal effects of aging. In the early stages of the disease, you may not notice the symptoms.
COPD can develop for years without shortness of breath. You start seeing symptoms in the more advanced stages of the disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive form of lung disease that ranges from mild to severe. It makes it difficult to breathe. COPD affects about 63 million people in India, which is about 32% of the world’s COPD population.
Dr Manbir Singh, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Livasa Hospital said, “COPD causes more deaths than AIDS, TB, malaria and diabetes combined. COPD is most common in people aged 40 years and above who have a history of smoking. The prevalence of COPD in India is around 5.5% to 7.55%. Recent studies show that the prevalence of COPD is 22% in men and 19% in women.
Dr Manbir Singh said that there is no permanent cure for COPD, but treatment options are available to prevent further damage and improve the quality of life.
Tirath Singh said that among the main risk factors of COPD, smoking is responsible for 46% of cases. This is followed by outdoor and indoor pollution which is responsible for 21% of COPD cases. And exposure to gases and smoke is responsible for 16% of COPD cases.

COPD risk factors:

• History of respiratory infections in childhood

• Exposure to smoke from coal or wood-burning stoves

• Exposure to second-hand smoke

• People with a history of asthma

• People with underdeveloped lungs

• People who are 40 years of age or older because lung function declines with age.

Signs and symptoms of COPD:

• Chest tightness

• Chronic cough that may produce clear, white, yellow, or green phlegm

• Frequent respiratory infections

• Lack of energy

• Sudden weight loss

• Shortness of breath

• Swelling in the knees, feet, or legs

• A grinding sound