As part of World COPD Day 2024, health experts are emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding lung health, in line with this year’s theme, “Know Your Lung Function.” Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung condition caused by inhalation of irritants, like cigarette smoke, leading to irreversible airway inflammation and breathing difficulties.
Common symptoms include a persistent cough with sputum, breathlessness and fatigue. World COPD Day 2024 serves as a global call to action to raise awareness about COPD and highlight the importance of early lung care. Initiatives like Breathefree, which provide both physical and digital resources, including the newly relaunched Breathefree website, assist patients throughout their journey-from screening to treatment adherence.
Speaking on the importance of lung function testing Dr. G. Velkumar, Sr. Consultant Pulmonologist, Madurai said, “Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for effective management of chronic respiratory disease like COPD and in preventing further complications. Spirometry, a lung function test that measures the amount of air the lungs can hold and how quickly you can exhale, is crucial for diagnosing COPD early, before the severity of the condition further escalates. Unfortunately, many individuals in India only recognize the signs of COPD when a family member has experienced it, often dismissing early symptoms as aging. Patient education is therefore essential. Reliable resources for information like the new Breathefree website play a key role in engaging the public in the mission to improve lung health in India, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in managing their respiratory health.”
Highlighting the critical role of awareness in managing COPD, Dr. R. Saravanavasan, Sr. Consultant Pulmonologist, Madurai explained, “The goal of COPD management is to slow disease progression and reduce the decline in lung function. Bronchodilator inhalers, pulmonary rehabilitation programs and nebulized treatment are key to managing COPD. Raising awareness about available treatment options is crucial in ensuring more patients receive timely as well as appropriate care and support, ultimately leading to better outcomes and improved lung health.”