Respiratory problems are a cause of serious concern globally, due to which additional pressure on the health sector is also increasing every year. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one such disease that affects the lungs and airways. Due to this disease, your airway becomes blocked, which can make breathing difficult. It also increases the problem of inflammation and irritation inside the airways. If we look at the global figures, it is known that millions of people die every year due to this lung disease.
In the year 2021, 3.5 million (35 lakh) people died due to COPD, which was about 5% of all deaths worldwide. These figures make COPD the fourth leading cause of death globally. World COPD Day is celebrated every year on the third Wednesday of November (this time on 20 November) with the aim of making people aware of this lung disease and educating them about its preventive measures.
The theme for World COPD Day this year is "Know the function of your lungs. Let's know about this disease in detail and understand how to prevent it.
Millions of people die every year.
The problem of COPD damages our lungs. If it is not diagnosed or treated in time, then there is also a risk of death due to it.
It is generally considered to be a disease that occurs with aging, although statistics show that its diagnosis has increased rapidly even in those under the age of 40. According to the data for the year 2020, there were an estimated 480 million (48 crores) cases of COPD worldwide, which is about 10.6% of the global population. Apart from this, this disease causes the death of millions of people every year. In the year 2019, 3.23 million (32.3 lakh) people also died from it.
Identify the symptoms in time.
Doctors say it is important to identify the symptoms of COPD in time so that it can be treated properly. Although the symptoms of COPD usually do not appear until the lungs are severely damaged, some signs should not be ignored at all. Such symptoms can be triggered by smell, cold air, air pollution, cold, or infection.
Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activities.
Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing.
Continuous cough with a lot of mucus. The mucus can be clear, yellow, or green.
Feeling tightness or heaviness in the chest.
Feeling very tired.
Repeated lung infections.
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or legs.
Who is at higher risk for this?
Health experts say that although this disease can happen to anyone, however, in some situations its risk increases significantly. Smoking is the biggest risk factor for COPD, but not every person who smokes needs to get it. If you are over 65 years of age or have been exposed to air pollution, chemicals, dust, or smoke, you may be at risk.
Some studies suggest that people who have had respiratory infections many times in childhood may also be at higher risk.
Quit smoking to prevent it.
In most cases COPD is directly related to cigarette smoking, the best way to prevent COPD is to not smoke. COPD can also be prevented by avoiding chemicals and pollution and maintaining a proper routine. Symptoms can be prevented from worsening through some types of medicines, therapy, etc. Identifying it on time can help reduce the complications caused by COPD.
(PC: Freepik)
