Context:
Health experts list the causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease beyond smoking, including environmental toxins, genetic predispositions, and occupational hazards.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
- Chronic inflammatory lung disease causing obstructed airflow from the lungs.
- Two Main Forms:
- Chronic bronchitis: Involves persistent cough with mucus.
- Emphysema: Involves gradual lung damage.
- Most COPD cases involve a combination of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Causes of COPD:
- Primarily caused by prolonged exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter.
- Mainly linked to tobacco smoke; over 70% of cases in high-income countries result from smoking.
- Global Variation in Causes:
- In low- and middle-income countries, 30–40% of COPD cases are due to tobacco smoking, and household air pollution is a significant risk factor.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Primary symptoms include difficulty breathing, chronic cough (often with phlegm), and fatigue.
- Flare-ups, exacerbating symptoms, can occur and may necessitate additional medications.
Associated Risks:
- Individuals with COPD face an elevated risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and various other health conditions.
Treatment Approach:
- COPD is incurable, but lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding air pollution can improve the condition.
- Treatment involves medications, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation.
-Source: The Hindu
