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COPDChronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, refers to a group of diseases that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and in some cases asthma.Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD, in medical parlance) does not fall into the class of the most dreaded killers. But for chest physicians it is emerging as an area of grave concern. COPD, is characterised by breathlessness, cough and sputum production, is among the 10 leading causes of mortality. Tobacco use is a key factor in the development and progression of COPD, but asthma, exposure to air pollutants in the home and workplace, genetic factors, and respiratory infections also play a role. In the developing world, indoor air quality is thought to play a larger role in the development and progression of COPD. According to data compiled by the World Health Organisation, in 1998 the disease killed 1,53,000 people in India. This is an increase of 9 per cent over 1,40,000 in 1990. In 2001, a global initiative was launched to try to reduce the impact of the disease.It was called the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).It was launched in India by the National Conference on Pulmonary Diseases. The initiative was supported by an academic grant from pharma ma-jor GlaxoSmithKline. Gold was being conducted in collaboration with the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and the WHO. The COPD management programme developed by GOLD focuses on four components:
The initiative was quite vocal about the need to cut down cigarette smoking, which is believed to be the greatest risk factor for COPD. Passive exposure to cigarette smoke also contributes to respiratory symptoms and COPD. Other documented causes include occupational dusts and chemicals when the exposures are sufficiently intense or prolonged. Indoor air pollution from fuel used for cooking in poorly vented dwellings and outdoor air pollution are also known to cause the disease. Treatment of COPD requires a careful and thorough evaluation by a physician. The most important aspect of treatment is avoiding tobacco smoke and removing other air pollutants from the patientÂ’s home or workplace. Symptoms such as coughing or wheezing can be treated with medication. Respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics, if appropriate. Patients who have low blood oxygen levels in their blood are often given supplemental oxygen. Authors / contributers wanted! Do you have knowledge or experience in this topic? If you do, please consider writing something for this page... This page is 'under development'. Add your content here (remove this line). Related topicsExternal links and referencesGlobal Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung DiseaseLung Association National Lung Health Education Program ContributorsUser:Dr Karabi Dutta 12 February 2004Comments / Questions on this page | |
Page created:
12 February 2004; Last edited:
20 February 2004; Version: 1 | |
Pagename: COPD @HEDON: BTAA | |
