The consumption of tobacco is the primary cause of ‘Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD)’ said noted Pulmonology expert while addressing the media persons here on Wednesday. The COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases. This disease is characterised by increasing breathlessness.
The Principal Consultant - Pulmonology at Max Hospital Dr Puneet Tyagi, said that many people mistake their increased breathlessness and coughing as a normal part of aging. “In the early stages of the disease, you may not notice the symptoms. COPD can develop for years without noticeable shortness of breath. COPD is a progressive form of lung disease ranging from mild to severe. It is characterised by a restriction of airflow into and out of the lungs that makes breathing difficult,’’ he informed.
Dr Tyagi further informed that COPD most often occurs in the people above 40 years of age and who have a history of smoking. He said that about 90 percent of the individuals who have COPD are smokers. The expert informed that COPD in long run cause enlargement of the right side of heart and eventual death. “People having COPD are more prone during winters.Cold temperatures can regularly lead to fatigue, and even windy days can cause shortness of breath to such patients. There is a higher rate of cold-related mortality among the elderly. Such people are advised to take a spirometry test,’’ Dr Tyagi said.