‘80 per cent suffer from COPD due to smoking’

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 20

On the occasion of World COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Day, medical experts said smoking a cigarette continues to be the major reason for COPD till date.

Doctors said in fact 80 per cent of the patients suffer from COPD due to smoking.

Chest Specialist Dr Naresh Chawla, who is the nodal officer of the TB control programme, said, “The chances of getting affected by the disease are more in those who smoke. Almost 80 per cent patients suffer from the disease due to it.”

He said even the presence of indoor pollution in the form of harmful chemical irritants, smoke from chulha and other sources could lead to the disease.

He said COPD usually led to increasing breathlessness.

Dr Chawla said the tendency of smoking should be shunned as apart from COPD, it was also the biggest cause of cancer.

“By shunning tobacco in all forms, one can lead a healthy and good life,” he added.

“Parents must keep an eye on children as it is the age when children start smoking under the wrong impression that it looks cool,” he said.