Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Why in news?

November month is marked as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD awareness month.

• COPD – It is a progressive lung condition that causes breathing difficulties due to restricted airflow, which is a result of lung damage.
• Types of COPD – Chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of the airways, or the tubes of the lungs) and emphysema (air sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli, are damaged).
• Causes – Smoking (active & passive), indoor air pollution, long-term exposure to chemical fumes/dust at workplaces, airborne toxins, history of childhood respiratory infections, Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (genetic disorder).
• Symptoms – Shortness of breath, wheezing or other lung sounds, bluish skin (cyanosis), Chest tightness, fatigue, frequent lung infections, etc. and other conditions like flu, pneumonia and heart conditions.
• Diagnosis – One of the main tests is spirometry, also based on a medical history, symptoms and through tests including imaging, pulmonary function tests and lab tests.

Spirometry is a lung functioning test which measures lung capacity and airflow speed.

• Treatment – There is no cure for COPD, but focused on managing symptoms and reducing flare ups.
• Like quit smoking, medicines, oxygen therapy, vaccination, pulmonary rehabilitation, staying physically active, etc, and sometimes surgery may be recommended.
• Prevalence - According to WHO, COPD is the 4^th leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.5 million deaths in 2021, approximately 5% of all global deaths.
• WHO reports that Tobacco smoking accounts for over 70% cases in high-income countries; in low & middle-income countries (LMIC) - major risk factor is tobacco smoking (30–40%) and household air pollution.
• As per the Lung India, 2021, the overall prevalence in India is 7.4% - Urban areas: 11%, Rural areas: 5.6% & estimated national burden – 37.6 million people with spirometry-defined COPD.

Reference

The Hindu | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease