Red Alert! The Risks of COPD

The world is surrounded by pollution and there’s not a single instant when you can breathe fresh air, even when inside your home. In this case, a steep surge in number of respiratory cases is inevitable.

What is COPD?

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder is one of the acute and chronic lower respiratory tract infection that develops slowly over a period of time. The third leading respiratory condition, it was responsible for nearly 3 million global deaths in 2015 alone.

Some of the symptoms of COPD are increased breathlessness, frequent coughing, wheezing, tightness in chest, lack of energy or swelling in ankles, feet or legs. 

Risks of COPD

Here are the few risk factors that everyone including COPD patients must avoid to keep themselves healthy:

• Exposure to tobacco smoke

It has been said that in most of the cases, a long term cigarette smoker has a higher risk of developing COPD. In fact, it is applicable for both direct and passive smokers. People who smoke pipe, cigars and marijuana are equally at risk irrespective of their exposure. Everyone who smokes doesn’t get COPD but about 90% of the people with COPD have a smoking history.
 

• People with Asthma and smoke

When a person is suffering from Asthma, it is advised and assumed that the patient will avoid smoking. Being a chronic inflammatory airway disease, any sort of smoke such as air pollution or incensed stick is harmful for a person with any sort of respiratory disease.
 

• Occupational exposure to dusts and chemicals

People who are exposed to dust or chemical vapours such as grain handlers, coal miners and metal moulders have a higher chance of developing COPD. Long-term exposure to chemical fumes, vapours and dust in the workplace can lead to irritation and inflammation of lungs.

• Exposure to fumes from burning fuel

In rural areas, people who cook food by burning wood or fuel are exposed to toxic fumes in poorly ventilated homes. They are at higher risk of developing COPD and those who already suffer, it is advised to use an alternate source of energy.

• Age

COPD develops slowly across the years, especially in people who are at least 40 years old and have a history of smoking.

The above said are some of the risk factors of COPD that must be kept in mind for a longer and healthier well-being of your respiratory system. If you’re suffering from COPD or know someone who does, these are the red flags and you must strictly distance yourself from. Leave the rest to Philips

Philips Healthcare@home and let your dear ones experience the best of healthcare from the comforts of your home.