COPD common in people with a smoking history: expert

“Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung disease that affects millions of people across the world. It is a manmade disease which is mostly found in people above 35 years of age with a smoking history,” said Dr VK Maini, chest specialist, Fortis Hospital, Mohali while addressing the Oncology conference on Thursday.

He added: “Living with COPD is a challenge, but it does not mean that one gives up everything. Today, with early diagnosis and effective treatment, one can feel much better and be more active. It is a condition, in which the airways get narrowed and blocked with secretions. Over a period of time, the lung tissues get damaged permanently.”

Early symptoms of COPD include coughing and breathlessness during exercise or due to exertion. If not treated, the disease progresses and slowly it becomes difficult to do everyday activities like climbing stairs, walking the dog or even getting dressed in the morning.