Protect yourself against COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. Symptoms include breathing difficulty, coughing, mucus production and wheezing. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from smoking cigarettes.

According to a local study, the prevalence rate of COPD in Abu Dhabi was found to be at 3.7 per cent of the local population, significantly in those 70 years and older. In the UAE, COPD is largely under-diagnosed and hence undertreated until it is moderately advanced – due to the lack of standardised methods to diagnose COPD and a lack of general information.

“The UAE’s healthcare system has made remarkable strides in ensuring that it currently has the lowest prevalence of COPD in the region, however, the need for data around COPD is of paramount importance,” explains Dr Bassam Mahboub, who is the head of Emirates Respiratory Society and assistant dean at the College of Medicine in Sharjah University. “Early diagnosis is critical to managing the progression of COPD and improving chances of survival.

People with COPD are at an increased risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer and a variety of other conditions. Symptoms of COPD often don’t appear until significant lung damage has occurred, and they usually worsen over time, particularly if smoking continues.

Dr Bassam says that flare-ups are usually caused by infection in the lungs or airways and inhaling heavy air pollution. “Such exacerbations in COPD can be prevented by smoking cessation, timely vaccination against flu and pneumonia, increased physical activity, adherence to prescribed COPD medications, regular contact with doctors, adequate sleep, and staying hydrated.”