More factors causing lung ailment than smoking: Experts

Increasing exposure to toxic air and exposure to biomass fuel that are predominantly used in developing countries are bringing a lot more in the risk group, warn city doctors. 

K Thiruppathi, consultant pulmonologist, SIMS Hospital says that though smoking continues to be the leading reason for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), there are several other factors like indoor and outdoor pollution, biomass fuel etc., that trigger the condition. 

“We see a third of our patients suffering from this condition and it is no longer just smoking, which accounts for 8-9 per cent of the cases. There are several individual factors – even passive smoking is a big factor,” says Dr Thiruppathi. 

Reports reveal that at least 25 per cent of patients suffering with COPD have never smoked and there has been a threefold increase of the prevalence among women. A Burden of Obstructive Lung Disease (BOLD) study also reports of high prevalence of COPD in non-smokers. 

They add that the enormity of the condition can be understood clearer when one realises that COPD is the second most leading cause of deaths, especially among those aged above 50 years. 

According to the recent National Family Health Survey 4, in Tamil Nadu, more than 30 per cent of the households don’t use clean fuel for cooking. As per a study, in urban India, 32 per cent households rely on biomass stoves, 22 per cent use firewood, 8 per cent use kerosene, and many use fuels like liquid petroleum gas or natural gas. Dr Thiruppathi says that extensive use of mosquito coils also contributes to the problem. “The coils are nothing but pollutants,” he says. 

Dr Prasanna Kumar Thomas, consultant pulmonologist, Fortis Malar Hospital, explains how rampant pollution damages lungs. “The quality of air that we breathe today is toxic. With the presence of these nano particles, the functionality of our lung is hampered. With these living conditions in the urban region, respiratory ailments are of major concern,” he adds.

Dr Thiruppathi says that other factors that can lead to the condition are alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (an inherited disorder) that makes one predisposed to COPD, and the presence of scars in the lung due to Tuberculosis. 

Experts say that a thorough study needs to be undertaken to understand the impact of indoor pollution to counter the problem.