On World COPD Day 2024, experts are calling for greater awareness of lung health, with a special focus on early detection and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This year’s theme, “Know Your Lung Function,” aims to highlight the importance of lung function testing in preventing the progression of COPD, a major contributor to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 74% of global deaths.
Speaking on the importance of lung function testing Dr. Sujit Gupta, Interventional Pulmonologist, Siliguri said, “Early diagnosis and treatment are vital for effective management of chronic respiratory disease like COPD and in preventing further complications. Spirometry, a lung function test that measures the amount of air the lungs can hold and how quickly you can exhale, is crucial for diagnosing COPD early, before the severity of the condition further escalates. Patient education is therefore essential. Reliable resources for information like the new Breathefree website play a key role in engaging the public in the mission to improve lung health in India, empowering individuals to take proactive steps in managing their respiratory health.”
Highlighting the critical role of awareness in managing COPD, Dr. Abhishek Bali, Consultant, Critical Care & Pulmonology, from Siliguri explained, “The goal of COPD management is to slow disease progression and reduce the decline in lung function. With almost two-thirds of COPD cases undiagnosed and only one-fifth receiving proper inhalation treatment as per a large multicentre rural population-based study conducted in 2022 in India, increasing awareness can save lives. Bronchodilator inhalers are key to managing COPD, helping patients breathe easier, while pulmonary rehabilitation programs can significantly improve quality of life. In fact, for certain patients struggling with correct inhalation technique, nebulized treatment can be considered. Nebulization is another effective way to help patients manage their condition. .”
