The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : COPD can kill if left untreated, says expert

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

COPD can kill if left untreated, says expert

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: A persistent cough with sputum and getting out of breath after simple exercise could be symptoms of COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Addressing press persons here on Monday, Respiratory Research Foundation of India (RRFI) chairperson R. Narasimhan said a simple breathing test could determine the presence of respiratory disease.

He announced the RRFI campaign to mark World COPD Day, which falls on November 14.

COPD is a term for a group of respiratory diseases characterised by the limitation of airflow in the lungs. Smoking and constant exposure to pollutants are principal causes of COPD.

The foundation has roped in actors Jackie Shroff, Sathiaraj and Devyani to star in a short film, to be made available on DVD to schools. “The number of smokers in the cinema industry is down by nearly 90 per cent,” Sathiaraj says in the film.

Asthma is a respiratory illness that can be treated, unlike COPD that can only be controlled and can kill if untreated, he said. Treatment is most effective if diagnosed early. The foundation would be distributing its short film on DVD to schools through Rotary Clubs. Schools interested in getting the DVD can contact the foundation for a free copy by e-mailing rrfindia@gmail.com .

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail