DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
Amritsar, Dec 6
“With temperature going down, people having COPD are more prone to illness. The symptom becomes more aggravated during cold weather. The effects of cold weather on the lungs can be extreme and chronic exposure to cold environments is known to cause dramatic changes to the respiratory system. If a COPD patient develops COVID, it really life threatening,”
Dr Baljot Singh consultant interventional pulmonology at Livasa Hospital, Amritsar said that in mild winters particularly, the largest strain on the respiratory system can be found, leading to a higher rate of cold-related mortality among the elderly.
Dr Manish Gupta consultant critical care said that most cases of COPD are caused by inhaling pollutants including smoking and second-hand smoke.
“Main risk factors of COPD, which is smoking, accounts for 46 % of cases, followed by outdoor & indoor pollution which account for 21% COPD cases.
Occupational exposure to gases and fumes accounts for 16 % cases of COPD. Genetics can also play a role in an individual’s development of COPD, even if the person has never smoked or has ever been exposed to strong lung irritants in the workplace.”
‘COPD prevalence is around 5.5 to 7.55 % in India. Recent studies suggest prevalence rate of COPD in males is as high as 22% in men and 19% in females, informed Dr Pooja Parteek consultant internal medicine.
There is no permanent cure for COPD, but treatment options are available to prevent more damage and improve quality of life, maintained Dr Bikramjit Singh, consultant internal medicine.’’
