LUCKNOW: With rise in pollution, cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of death worldwide, have started trickling in King George’s Medical University (KGMU).
This was shared during a programme organized by the pulmonary and critical care medicine department of KGMU on the eve of World COPD Day.
Experts explained that COPD is an umbrella term for progressive lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory (non-reversible) asthma.For the past 10 years, a rise in air pollution is triggering shortness of breath, a stabbing cough, phlegm production and recurrent exhaustion in COPD. They advised that if these symptoms persist for long they should not be ignored.
HOD of pulmonary and critical care medicine at KGMU, prof Ved Prakash said, “It is characterized by increasing breathlessness.” “Air pollution accounts for nearly one-third of COPD cases among patients visiting KGMU, while smoking is the second leading cause,” Prof Prakash said. “Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as COPD often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for asthma in its early stages.”
The guest of honour at the programme, former HOD of the pulmonary medicine department, prof Rajendra Prasad, stated that both indoor and outdoor pollution are major contributors to COPD. “Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the air can accelerate lung function decline in COPD patients,” he added.
“Despite being responsible for 13 lakh deaths annually in India, COPD often goes unnoticed due to a lack of awareness,” prof Prasad said. “Patients experiencing a persistent cough, whether dry, clear, white, yellow, or green, accompanied by breathlessness, should consult a pulmonologist for early detection, treatment and monitoring.”
Prof RAS Kushwaha, faculty at the respiratory medicine department, KGMU, said that COPD can be prevented by quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to air pollution (including indoor smoke from cooking or incense burning), engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.”
We also published the following articles recently
This was shared during a programme organized by the pulmonary and critical care medicine department of KGMU on the eve of World COPD Day.
Experts explained that COPD is an umbrella term for progressive lung diseases, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory (non-reversible) asthma.For the past 10 years, a rise in air pollution is triggering shortness of breath, a stabbing cough, phlegm production and recurrent exhaustion in COPD. They advised that if these symptoms persist for long they should not be ignored.
HOD of pulmonary and critical care medicine at KGMU, prof Ved Prakash said, “It is characterized by increasing breathlessness.” “Air pollution accounts for nearly one-third of COPD cases among patients visiting KGMU, while smoking is the second leading cause,” Prof Prakash said. “Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as COPD often goes undiagnosed or is mistaken for asthma in its early stages.”
The guest of honour at the programme, former HOD of the pulmonary medicine department, prof Rajendra Prasad, stated that both indoor and outdoor pollution are major contributors to COPD. “Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter in the air can accelerate lung function decline in COPD patients,” he added.
“Despite being responsible for 13 lakh deaths annually in India, COPD often goes unnoticed due to a lack of awareness,” prof Prasad said. “Patients experiencing a persistent cough, whether dry, clear, white, yellow, or green, accompanied by breathlessness, should consult a pulmonologist for early detection, treatment and monitoring.”
Prof RAS Kushwaha, faculty at the respiratory medicine department, KGMU, said that COPD can be prevented by quitting smoking, avoiding exposure to air pollution (including indoor smoke from cooking or incense burning), engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular vaccinations, including the flu vaccine.”
We also published the following articles recently
World COPD Day: Combating anxiety and depression with COPD
COPD Day, held on November 15th, focuses on the theme "Life - Act Earlier" to promote early attention to lung health and preventive actions. COPD remains a significant global health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of death. It is manageable with treatment, but as the disease worsens, life expectancy decreases. COPD also has a negative impact on mental health, triggering anxiety and depression. Preventive measures, prioritizing inhalers and medication, exercising, and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation can help protect lung health.
COPD Day, held on November 15th, focuses on the theme "Life - Act Earlier" to promote early attention to lung health and preventive actions. COPD remains a significant global health issue, ranking as the third leading cause of death. It is manageable with treatment, but as the disease worsens, life expectancy decreases. COPD also has a negative impact on mental health, triggering anxiety and depression. Preventive measures, prioritizing inhalers and medication, exercising, and participating in pulmonary rehabilitation can help protect lung health.
Air pollution leads to surge in respiratory issues
The city of Ludhiana in India is experiencing poor air quality, leading to a rise in respiratory issues among residents. Health experts have seen a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for breathing problems, with some reporting a 50% increase in cases. Air pollution, combined with changing weather patterns, is believed to be the main cause of this surge in respiratory ailments. The rise in pollution has also resulted in more cases of viral infections and pneumonia. Experts advise vulnerable individuals to avoid outdoor activities during times of poor air quality and to take precautions such as wearing masks.
The city of Ludhiana in India is experiencing poor air quality, leading to a rise in respiratory issues among residents. Health experts have seen a significant increase in patients seeking treatment for breathing problems, with some reporting a 50% increase in cases. Air pollution, combined with changing weather patterns, is believed to be the main cause of this surge in respiratory ailments. The rise in pollution has also resulted in more cases of viral infections and pneumonia. Experts advise vulnerable individuals to avoid outdoor activities during times of poor air quality and to take precautions such as wearing masks.
Mumbai Air Pollution: Local factors pollute the air, experts counter BMC chief
Environment experts in Mumbai are rejecting the claim made by the municipal commissioner that air pollution in the city is due to global factors rather than local ones. They argue that while global factors may have an impact, the consistent sources of pollution such as vehicles, construction, and industry are the main contributors to the toxic smog-filled environment. They emphasize the need for a multi-pronged strategy to address these local factors and reduce pollution levels in the city.
Environment experts in Mumbai are rejecting the claim made by the municipal commissioner that air pollution in the city is due to global factors rather than local ones. They argue that while global factors may have an impact, the consistent sources of pollution such as vehicles, construction, and industry are the main contributors to the toxic smog-filled environment. They emphasize the need for a multi-pronged strategy to address these local factors and reduce pollution levels in the city.
