CHENNAI: Though the disease is common and if diagnosed early can be treated, those who suffer from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD) do not understand it well enough to seek treatment, say specialists.

The disease is characterised by chronic cough, shortness of breath and sputum production. In later stages it may lead to repeated hospitalisation.

Children not affected

The disease, which affects the functioning of lungs, rarely affects children but is common in people above the age of 45.

One in every three smoker is at risk of permanent lung damage.

Pulmonologists point out that the World Health Organisation has classified nicotine dependence as a disease but it is never too late to quit smoking. Unlike in the United States where concerted efforts aimed at children had brought down smoking incidences, in India there are few support groups.

In India, 55,000 children begin smoking every day, says P.K. Thomas, a consultant at Vijaya Health Centre.

Though a range of treatment options are available, lack of early diagnosis could result in reduced quality of life.

In later stages, a person may find it difficult to even walk a few steps let alone climb stairs. Heavy exposure to occupational dust, chemicals and air pollution (indoor and outdoor) and untreated asthma could also result in COPD.

Lung function

Special instruments used to measure lung function are currently made in India.

Spirometry test is a common and cheap test requiring a patient to blow into the machine. It measures the speed of air and the doctor computes the readings.

K. Venugopal, a consultant at Sooriya Hospital, says 10-15 ml of lung function drops from the age of 40. The drop is twice the normal rate in smokers.

While in smokers the carcinogenic elements of the product destroy human tissues and prevents blood supply to the peripherals, in passive smokers, inhaling smoke damages the lungs.

In rural areas, women cooking in chulas are more prone to the disease.

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