Kochi: When the World COPD day was observed on November 16 with various programmes, medical experts stressed the need to rewrite the traditional concept of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) being a smokers’ disease. Though the primary cause of COPD is believed to be smoking, a recent survey conducted in India indicates that COPD cases are more among non-smokers than among smokers. It is reported, at least one fourth of patients suffering from COPD have never smoked. Even in a highly urbanized state like Kerala, nearly 80 per cent of households still use biomass fuel for cooking, a major reason cited for the high rate of COPD.
While a strong correlation between cigarette smoking and COPD is an established fact, recent studies have shown that there are numerous other risk factors that trigger the disease in non-smokers. At least one fourth of patients suffering with COPD have never smoked. “The quality of air has deteriorated drastically over the years. With the presence of toxic nano particles in the air, the functioning of lungs is hampered the most. Respiratory ailments in urban areas due to the changed living condition are of major concern,” said Dr. Jacob Baby, consultant pulmonologist at Aster Medcity, Kochi.
A recent survey conducted by the Central Pollution Control Board indicated that lung function reduced in 40.3 per cent individuals in Delhi. Air pollution, use of kerosene stoves for cooking, lack of proper ventilation and use of mosquito coils also contribute significantly to the disease. Even in urban areas, 32 per cent households still use biomass stoves, 22 per cent use firewood, 8 per cent use kerosene and the rest use cleaner fuels like LPG. Prolonged exposure to agricultural pesticides, which are being frequently used also contribute to respiratory problems, decreased lung function and COPD. Quitting smoking, use of pollution free means of cooking, proper ventilation in houses are a few measures recommended by experts to lower the risk of COPD.
