Symptoms of COPD: With increasing prevalence, experts stress on early diagnosis of COPD

Stating that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes to almost 76 per cent of disability adjusted life years, Dr Mahilmaran, Pulmonologist, Apollo Hospital, said, “The rising incidence of COPD in India makes it the leading cause of high death rates amongst all non-communicable disease (NCDs).”

According to a recent study conducted amongst 900 non-smoking women, aged above 30 years, from 45 rural villages of Tiruvallur district, it was found that the prevalence of COPD was higher among women above 50 years of age.

“The condition includes a group of progressive lung diseases like emphysema, chronic bronchitis and refractory (non- reversible) asthma that causes difficulty in breathing and severe exacerbation. It is slowly affecting both men and women in the state equally. What was earlier considered to be a man’s disease has now started impacting a significant number of women as well,” he said.

With 50 per cent of COPD patients dying within five years of diagnosis, it is crucial that patients identify the symptoms at an early stage to prevent further damage to the lungs. “At the time of diagnosis, up to 50 per cent of the lung function may already have been lost. Spirometry can aid in the early diagnosis of COPD. If the patient is a regular smoker, he is advised to quit smoking and consult an expert for a cessation program as smoking is the biggest risk factor for developing COPD,” the doctor added.

The number of new cases of COPD is growing nearly three times faster in women than in men every year

In India, 70 per cent of the homes use biomass fuel for cooking and heating purposes in poorly ventilated kitchens, and the amount of particulate matter pollution generated due to burning of biomass fuel is extremely high. “It is therefore important that the people are aware of the symptoms of COPD so as to avoid delayed diagnosis. The signs to look out for are chronic cough with or without phlegm, shortness of breath, noisy breathing, chest tightness, low energy and recurrent respiratory infections,” said Dr P Shanmugam, a pulmonologist from the city.

“Preventing exacerbations is one of the primary goals of long-term care for COPD patients. “Episodes of COPD tend to have a detrimental effect on one’s quality of life and disease progression, contributing to further lung function decline and in severe cases, hospitalisation and even death.

While it is an irreversible condition, and the damage to the lungs cannot be repaired, early diagnosis can help prevent any further damage to the lungs and enable a person to lead a normal life, with medication and certain lifestyle changes. If cough persists for a longer duration it is advised to consult a pulmonologist and seek effective treatment to prevent worsening of the condition,” Dr Mahilmaran added.