Daijiworld News Network – Udupi, Manipal (VM)
Udupi, Nov 19: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (lung) Disease (COPD) Week will be observed at Kasturba Hospital.
A Lung Health Check up Clinic will also function at the Hospital from Nov 20 to 25, stated a press release.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary (lung) Disease (COPD) affects at least 10 percent of population over the age of 40 throughout the world and is the 4th leading cause of death. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) day is observed on November 3 every year. With an estimated 18.4 crore smokers, COPD will be a major killer in India, especially in villages. It is of utmost importance that lungs are kept healthy by taking wary of symptoms of cough seriously. Protecting the lungs means better and longer life.
Dr K Gowrinath, Head, Department of Chest and Allergy, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal says, “COPD, a common lung disease, is not completely curable and patient will have only slight improvement in symptoms. COPD cause breathing difficulty even on minimal activity leading to considerable morbidity (Breathing disability) and may even contribute to death”. LFT is one cost effective technique, which can detect and differentiate the defect in the air passage within the lungs.
Patients with COPD tend to blame Doctors for their breathing problems while on treatment and they tend to change their doctor frequently. Smoking is a recognized risk factor of COPD as smoking creates obstruction in the airway of lungs and quitting smoking can prevent the progression of COPD.
People continue to smoke even though it is harmful to the Lungs as it is diffult to quit. Smoking Cessation Clinics are available to help people to quit smoking. Also the food habits like consuming adequate Fruits and Vegetables are high in antioxidants like Vitamins A, C and E is very much required. “Endurance exercise, walking, bicycling, gardening, and sustained activity is essential, and in fact it are the best things to keep lungs healthy," Dr Gowrinath adds.
Dr D P Saraswat, COO, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal says the observation of COPD Day is to increase in the awareness about COPD and the ills about smoking.
Dr Saraswat announced that Lung Health Check up package worth Rs 500 (includes Consultation, Lung Function Test and registration) for free form Nov 20 to 25 at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.