In recognition of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is advising individuals with symptoms of the disease to seek attention and avoid complications.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is a long-term condition affecting a person’s lungs and body. It causes narrowing of airways resulting in difficulty breathing. Symptoms include chronic cough, mucus (sputum) production, breathing difficulties, respiratory infections, fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and swelling of the feet and ankles.
Exposure to tobacco smoke and other inhaled toxic particles and gases are the main risk factors for COPD. However, recent research has identified that sub-optimal lung growth before and after birth can also increase the risk of COPD later in life. People with COPD are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and various other conditions.
World COPD Day
The World COPD Day is a campaign organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), healthcare professionals, and COPD patient groups worldwide. It aims to raise awareness, share information and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD.
HMC Consultant Pulmonologist Dr Mansoor Hameed said that although COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, it is very treatable. He said that with proper management, most people with COPD can achieve reasonable symptom control, quality of life and reduced risk of other associated conditions.
Under this year’s theme, Healthy Lungs – Never More Important, HMC joins healthcare professionals and organisations worldwide to educate people about controlling and preventing COPD. This year aims to highlight that the burden of COPD remains, and in the context of the ongoing pandemic, there has never been a more crucial time to focus on lung health.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, not smoking, eating healthy, avoiding air pollution and toxic exposures, and exercising regularly, are all ways to keep your lungs healthy. Reducing COVID-19 risk (social distancing, washing hands, wearing a mask, and getting the COVID-19 vaccine) as well as taking prescribed medications as needed, can also help keep your lungs healthy.
Dr Hameed said that the significant purpose of the day is to raise public knowledge of COPD and prevent symptoms from worsening.
As healthcare professionals, we urge the public to support smoke-free policies to create a second-hand smoke-free environment. Smokers are also encouraged to quit smoking and seek medical attention if they develop any early COPD symptoms, such as long-standing cough with plenty of phlegm and shortness of breath.
The 20th annual COPD Day is observed in Qatar this Thursday, 18 November. By sharing awareness messages via traditional and social media channels, Dr Hameed said they hope to improve public understanding of the disease and encourage and help those affected to live actively.
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