Bhopal: Healthcare professions provided comprehensive information regarding symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment protocols on World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day here on Wednesday.
The health department organised a poster competition to educate schoolchildren about this condition. This year’s observance centred on the theme ‘Know your lung function.’
Bhopal chief medical and health officer Bhopal Dr Prabhakar Tiwari said COPD susceptibility increases with premature birth, recurrent or severe childhood respiratory infections, and asthma. COPD can also originate from a rare genetic disorder called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.
According to World Health Organization statistics, COPD stands amongst the four principal causes of mortality globally. In 2021, approximately 3.5 million individuals succumbed to COPD worldwide. COPD is incorporated in the WHO Global Action Plan and the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Individuals afflicted with COPD endure prolonged illness and potentially face mortality due to disease-related complications. COPD is predominantly preventable and manageable. The condition manifests through persistent respiratory difficulties resulting from alveolar anomalies caused by sustained exposure to airborne harmful particles. This precipitates breathing complications for affected individuals. The condition may lead to pulmonary inflammation, cardiac ailments, and bronchogenic carcinoma. These patients face elevated risks of pulmonary infections, influenza, pneumonia, lung cancer, and cardiac complications.
Healthcare institutions’ counselling and awareness initiatives emphasised that COPD primarily stems from smoking and atmospheric pollution. Whilst incurable, the condition can be regulated through smoking cessation, pollution avoidance, lifestyle modifications, and consistent medical intervention. COPD manifestations include respiratory distress, persistent cough, and fatigue.
