COPD: The Fatal Lung Disease Linked to Air Pollution

Key Highlights:

- Delhi faces severe smog, experts warn about long-term health risks for COPD patients.

-Impact of Both Indoor and Outdoor Pollution on COPD Patients.

-COPD affects 63 million globally, with air pollution and smoking as key risk factors.

As Delhi and its surrounding areas grapple with dangerously high smog levels, experts are raising concerns about the potential long-term health effects, particularly for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which currently impacts approximately 63 million people globally, is a progressive lung condition that progressively impairs breathing. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that air pollution, along with smoking, is one of the primary environmental risk factors for COPD.

Air pollution played a major role in the 3.1 million deaths attributed to COPD in 2021, highlighting its lethal effect.

Dr Manoj Goel, Director & Unit Head of Pulmonology at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, explained that air pollution is a complex mix of harmful substances, including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. These pollutants, which originate primarily from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, can have both immediate and long-term health effects.

"Air pollution is not only harmful to the lungs, but it can also affect nearly every organ in the body," said Dr Goel.

"Air Pollution Accelerates Lung Decline and Exacerbates COPD Symptoms"

In patients with COPD, exposure to air pollution accelerates the deterioration of lung function and worsens symptoms. Fine particulate matter, typically smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can penetrate deep into the lungs' air sacs (alveoli), causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and ongoing tissue damage. Over time, this results in more frequent COPD exacerbations, further decline in respiratory function, and an elevated risk of mortality.

Impact of Both Indoor and Outdoor Pollution on COPD Patients.

Indoor pollution, often from cooking with solid fuels, can exacerbate inflammation in lung tissue and increase symptoms, while Outdoor pollution, particularly during high-smog seasons, further increases the risk of COPD flare-ups, loss of lung function, and even death.

"Air Pollution Linked to 4 Million Deaths Annually"

The lethal effects of air pollution are not limited to COPD. In fact, the WHO reports that outdoor fine particulate matter is responsible for over 4 million deaths globally each year, making it the fifth leading risk factor for death. Air pollution is also linked to a wide range of other diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Given that pollution levels in cities like Delhi consistently surpass safe limits, it is more urgent than ever to take action to improve air quality.

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