Recognise COPD symptoms, act early & protect your lungs, say doctors
Dr. Sathish C Reddy
Healthcare experts across India are calling for stronger public awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It is a chronic and progressive lung condition that is rapidly emerging as a major public health challenge. Globally, COPD accounts for nearly 3 million deaths every year and is the third leading cause of death. India, with its high pollution levels, widespread tobacco use, extensive biomass fuel exposure, and rising urban congestion, has huge COPD burden.
Most commonly seen in individuals over 40 years, COPD in India is often linked to smoking, but a significant number of cases arise from household biomass smoke, a common exposure among women in rural and semi-urban households. Other contributors include second-hand smoke, traffic pollution, industrial dust, construction-related particulate matter, pollen, genetic predisposition, and old treated tuberculosis. With India’s rising air pollution levels and continued use of biomass fuels, COPD is no longer a smoker’s disease alone.
Symptoms Galore
Symptoms such as chronic cough, wheezing, breathlessness, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance often progress gradually and are frequently dismissed as age-related or due to pollution. Most patients tend to ignore persistent cough or breathlessness until it severely affects their daily life. Early diagnosis—especially in individuals exposed to smoking, pollution, or household smoke, significantly improves long-term outcomes.
While COPD cannot be completely cured, it can be managed effectively. Indian clinicians increasingly rely on inhalers, smoking cessation programs, pulmonary rehabilitation, and NIV/BiPAP support for advanced stages. Preventive care remains crucial. COPD can be prevented by refraining from tobacco smoking and avoiding biomass fuel exposure. Compliance with prescribed medications, correct inhaler technique, and vaccinations are essential.
With winter approaching, and pollution levels typically spiking across major Indian cities COPD patients must take extra precautions. Cold air combined with smog can severely aggravate symptoms. Patients should cover their nose and mouth with a scarf or mask, and dress in layers to stay warm. Those on oxygen therapy should keep tubing under their coat and avoid stepping out on days with poor air-quality index (AQI). Indoors, using wood-fired or coal-based heating should be avoided due to smoke exposure. For winter travel or extended outdoor activity, use a scarf or mask designed for respiratory protection. A patient must get the annual flu shot, he is at a higher risk of pneumonia and seasonal respiratory infections. Activities such as jogging, trekking, or outdoor exercise during early mornings, when cold and pollution levels are highest—should be avoided to prevent flare-ups.
As India continues to face rising COPD cases driven by urban pollution and household smoke exposure, increasing awareness and early intervention can significantly improve the lives of millions living with the disease.
Dr. Sathish C Reddy is Senior Interventional Pulmonologist,
CARE Hospitals, Hitech City
