On the occasion of the World COPD Day, Prof. Javaid Khan of Aga Khan University warned the smokers against the rising incidence of COPD in the country. The Seminar was organised at a local hotel in Karachi aimed to raise awareness about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) worldwide. The theme for this year’s World COPD Day is “Many Faces of COPD”.
Prof. Javaid Khan representing, Global Alliance for Obstructive Lung disease, said that COPD is a devastating lung disease that progressively robs sufferers of breath. According to the World Health Organization, COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and is projected to be the 3rd leading cause of death by 2020. More than 3 million people die from the disease each year, and up to 10 percent of adults over age 40 worldwide may have it.
He informed that according to WHO, the estimated COPD death rate of Pakistan is 71deaths /100,000 populations, the fourth highest death rate among the 25 most populous nations in the world. Highlighting on the early symptoms of COPD, Prof Khan said that coughing, bringing up sputum, and getting out of breath during exercise or exertion are the usual early symptoms. Without treatment, COPD is generally a progressive disease, and as the disease gets worse patients become breathless during everyday activities such as climbing a flight of stairs or even getting washed and dressed in the morning. A simple, painless breathing test called spirometry can confirm whether a person has COPD or not, but unfortunately this test is not available in most hospitals of the country .Treatment for COPD is available, and it is most effective when the disease is diagnosed early. In addition to seeing their doctor friends and family can help patients by making sure that COPD patients get balanced foods to eat, joining them in a walk or other gentle exercise, and helping out with everyday tasks at home.
In the end, he urged the government to take measures not only for the implementation of anti-smoking laws but also for the control atmospheric pollution.
