COPD
or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an often overlooked but serious
global health threat. It is often underdiagnosed in India because spirometry,
which can confirm the presence of COPD, is often not conducted
during preliminary examination.
COPD is a gradually
progressive disease characterized by airflow limitation. Cigarette smoking is
the major etiologic factor; however, exposure to other chemical irritants also
plays a role in the pathogenesis.
Indoor
pollution is also one of the risk factors for COPD. Indoor air quality can
be determined by outdoor or ambient air pollution, fuels for heating and
cooking, tobacco smoke, second hand tobacco smoke, poorly ventilated and
overcrowded living conditions.
When
outdoor levels of pollutants are high, their levels also increase indoors. Poor
ventilation and structural designs can trap volatile organic compounds,
bioaerosols and particulate matter so, the indoor air quality can be up to 10
times worse than outdoor air pollution. In a country like India, it becomes
increasingly important to address challenges associated with indoor cooking,
especially in rural areas.
Lung
is a major site of interaction with environmental particulates. Pollutants such
as particulate matter can affect the lung in numerous ways causing
inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell cycle death. Therefore, air pollution
is strongly associated with the risk of COPD or aggravating pre-existing COPD
triggering “exacerbation” episodes. Exposure to second-hand smoke may sometimes
cause never-smokers to develop COPD.
Individuals,
who have COPD should consult their doctors about need for increasing the dose
of their medications. They must use a mask when they step out of the house.
Air
quality in Delhi is “very poor” and this has been the case not only since the
last few days, but also the past few years. It is becoming a recurring public
health problem that needs urgent attention. However, air pollution is mainly
man-made and since it harms human health, it is of immediate concern to all. It
is not just the responsibility of the government, it is a collective
responsibility.
We too
can make a difference by adopting measures - at an individual level - to
prevent or at least help control the air pollution levels and keep the
environment healthy.
Here
is what each one of us can do to make a difference and we can start right away.
- Walk or cycle for short distance commutes or to the neighborhood market.
- Plan and combine all your errands (in one area or close by areas) for one trip.
- Limit driving and carpool.
- Use public transport, as much as possible, for longer distances.
- If you have to use your vehicle, keep it well-maintained for efficient functioning with regular servicing to reduce harmful exhaust emissions and get pollution check done as required. Follow speed limits. Avoid buying diesel vehicle.
- Avoid burning candles, dhoop or incense sticks at home or workplace.
- Quitting smoking.
- Plant more trees.
- Limit the areas of bare soil by growing grass to reduce the amount of dust.
- Sprinkle water on exposed soil or construction sites regularly to reduce generation of dust.
- Wet mopping the floors at home or workplace.
- Avoid organizing outdoor parties or any other events when AQI crosses 200.
- Be a strong advocate for measures to control emission of air pollutants. Be active participants in activities to fight air pollution such as odd/even vehicle rule.
- Follow all rules and laws as enforced by the state.
It’s “Never
Too Early, Never Too Late”, as is the theme of the World COPD Day, falling
on Wednesday, this year,
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma
Shri Awardee
President Elect Confederation of Medical
Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group
Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President
Heart Care Foundation of India
Immediate Past National President IMA
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