COPD is a disease that is rapidly spreading today and develops due to many factors, especially smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke. It causes deterioration in the lung tissue and obstruction in the airways; It negatively affects the quality of life of the person by causing complaints such as shortness of breath, cough and sputum.
Acıbadem Dr. Sinasi Can (Kadıköy) Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Zekai Tarım “COPD is one of the most common diseases in the world and it is thought that one out of every 10 adults has this disease. The disease is the third most common cause of death after heart diseases and stroke. The increase in smokers and air pollution in our country suggest that the burden of disease will increase in the coming years. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Zekai Tarım, in its statement within the scope of 17 November World COPD Day, explained the 5 factors that paved the way for this dangerous disease, and made important warnings and suggestions.
To smoke
Cigarette smoking is the best known risk factor, and the vast majority (80 percent) of COPD patients have a history of smoking. While the duration and amount of tobacco use and smoking contribute to the severity of the disease, the threshold level varies from person to person.
exposure to cigarette smoke
Exposure of non-smokers to secondhand smoke (passive smoking) are risk factors for the development of COPD. For this reason, even if you do not smoke, try not to be in a smoking environment and not to be exposed to cigarette smoke.
Air pollution indoors and outdoors
Indoor air pollution (especially indoors such as dung, crop residues, wood, brushwood, etc. for heating or cooking with biomass fuels) and outdoor air pollution increase the risk of COPD. Therefore, if necessary, wear a mask and ventilate the environment.
Genetic predisposition
Early life events may predispose to the development of chronic lung disease in adulthood. Any factor that affects lung development during pregnancy or childhood has the potential to increase the risk of COPD. Chronic bronchitis, asthma and bronchial hypersensitivity may also predispose to the development of COPD.
Occupational exposure
Chronic exposure to smoke, chemicals and dust in the workplace is one of the main risk factors for the development of COPD. When exposure is intense and prolonged, the risk of disease is much higher if there is concomitant smoking.
Attention! COPD patients have more severe Covid-19
Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Zekai Tarım said: "The delay of patients in reaching hospitals and physicians due to the fear of being infected with the Covid-19 virus, especially during the pandemic period, has caused serious problems in the follow-up and treatment of COPD patients, and incomplete and inadequate treatments have led to the progression of the disease. Again, COPD is a risk factor for Covid-19 infection, and patients with COPD may have more severe Covid-19. In elderly patients who do not go out of the house due to the pandemic, there is a decrease in exercise capacity and weakening of the muscles. For this reason, daily regular walking should not be neglected.
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