Smokers at high risk of chronic bronchitis

If you are a habitual smoker or exposed to dust and smoke for long hours, you might be at risk of chronic bronchitis - also called the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Nearly 7 crore people suffer from this disease worldwide. In India, more than 2 crore people are affected with this disease, of which at least 5 lakh die annually. “The primary function of lungs is to supply oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide. In smokers, the risk of COPD doubles or even trebles in some cases. There is swelling in lungs, collection of sputum and destruction of normal lung activity in smokers, thus leading to a hampered hampers lung functioning. This results in decreased oxygen supply and resulting breathlessness,” said Dr Surya Kant, head of pulmonary medicine department at the King George’s Medical University (KGMU).

Talking about COPD’s diagnosis, he says, “In the initial stages, a chest X ray is usually normal and it is only later that it shows increased lung size. Due to this the heart becomes elongated and tube like (tubular heart). The gold standard investigation for this disease is Spirometry or PFT (computerised testing of lung function). In patients where the disease has progressed, Arterial Blood Gas can be done to estimate oxygen and carbon dioxide level in blood.”

The best prevention strategy for COPD is to quit smoking, he suggests. “People who quit smoking early have the greatest benefit. Those who are exposed to dust and outdoor pollution should consider change of environment or occupation. Rural women should switch to cooking food on gas instead of wood, coal or animal dung. Apart from this, annual influenza vaccine is also recommended for prevention,” he added.