Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than 340 million people worldwide and represents the fourth leading cause of death, after heart attacks, strokes and infectious diseases, this was stated by Prof Nisar Rao, President Pakistan Chest Society (PCS)and Director Ojha Institute of Chest Diseases, Karachi.
He was addressing a meeting organised by National Alliance for Tobacco Control (NATC) in collaboration with the Aga Khan University (AKU) to commemorate the World COPD. Although COPD is increasing in prevalence, it is widely under-diagnosed and under-treated in Pakistan, regretted Dr Rao.
The COPD day is organized by GOLD ( Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease) every year in the month of November Many national organizations like Pakistan Chest Society, National Alliance for Tobacco Control are also participating in this world wide event .COPD is projected to be the 3rd leading cause of death by 2020. More than 3 million people died of COPD last year. Globally, the COPD burden is projected to increase in coming decades because of continued exposure to COPD risk factors particularly in developing country like Pakistan
Smoking is by far the most important risk factor responsible for this disease, said Professor Javaid Khan, of AKU and Chair National Alliance for Tobacco Control. "Significant cost, societal and quality of life benefits could be achieved if greater steps were taken to: prevent the condition, such as greater access to smoking cessation programmes, earlier diagnosis and appropriate management strategies to control the condition and arrest disease progression", explained Prof Khan. Rising atmospheric pollution in Pakistan in recent years could result in exponential increase in the number of cases with COPD in the country, warned Prof Khan.
Prof Ali Zubairi President PCS Sindh Chapter said that the use of biomass fuel like wood and coal in cooking is another important cause for this disease, especially in women living in rural areas. Prof Zubairi urged the government to take measures for the implementation of clean air laws in the country as COPD can also occur from exposure to second hand smoke. Quoting AKU research work, Prof Zubairi said that tobacco smoke pollution in Pakistani restaurants is one of the worst in the world. -PR
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