The quality of air pollution in Delhi has been in the hazardous range a few days. The average Air Quality Index of the city has exceeded 400. On the third Wednesday of November every year, the World COPD Day is celebrated. It is today, 19 November, this year. This day is meant to create awareness on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a severe respiratory and lung disorder that causes irredeemable damage to the pulmonary organ.
This is the World COPD Day, and we need to know how the lungs of denizens of Delhi and the NCR region are being irrevocably damaged by air pollution. Smoking is the main cause of this disease but nowadays the increased levels of pollution particularly the high concentration of fine particulate matter such as PM2.5 has been the second-largest and rapidly increasing cause of COPD in the area.
These insensible particles are so tiny that they penetrate deep into the most inner compartments of lungs, destroy the air sacs and leave a permanent inflammation in the airways. Long-term exposure to contaminated air leads to the progressive destruction of the lungs, and the symptoms usually begin to manifest themselves after 30 or 40 years. Scientists consider that even non-smokers are getting COPD caused by pollution. It is a silent, stealthy risk to health, which requires immediate enlightenment and precautionary measures.
Permanent Lung Damage
The polluted air in Delhi has a large percentage of PM2.5, which contributes to the development of COPD. These particles are minute to the extent that the natural filters in the lungs are not sufficient to filter them. After getting into the lungs they keep on creating inflammation.
This inflammation is long term and blocks the airways and kills tissue in the lungs. This is irreparable damage that one will not be able to fully heal the lungs once their functioning has been impaired.
Early Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Symptoms of COPD are usually similar to common cold and cough in the initial stages thus people do not pay attention. These symptoms encompass persistent cough, which takes over three months, mucus with undying presence and breathlessness.
When you notice that even with mild exercising like walking up the stairs you feel short of breath, then it may be a sign of the deterioration of the lung. A spirometry test would also assist in diagnosing the problem early enough.
Essential Preventive Measures
The risk of contracting COPD due to pollution should be monitored. To begin with, you must stop smoking at once because when you smoke, you increase the risk when you add pollution. Second, it is advisable to avoid going outside on high-AQI days and use an N95/N99 mask when outside. Indoor air should be kept clean with air purifier, which has a HEPA filter.
Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment
Despite the absence of the permanent cure of COPD, prompt diagnosis and right treatment through inhalers and pulmonary rehabilitation can help to slow down the progress and the disease and enhance the quality of life. Individuals over the age of 40 years who have long-term exposure to polluted air or smoke cigarettes should have their lung checks done regularly. The only way to prevention is awareness.
Note: This article is based on information collected from medical reports.
Disclaimer: All the articles published in the health and fitness branch of Tecraze are put together after consulting doctors, experts and seating institutions. Professional journalists verify the facts and information stated. This article has been prepared following all the guidelines. The data given is merely an awareness and knowledge information. Tecraze does not take the responsibility of the information it says. To learn more about the above-mentioned disease, the patient should talk with his/her physician.
