COPD Awareness Month Highlights Several Important Occupational Risk Factors
As we approach the end of November, a month dedicated to raising awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorders (#COPD) it is important to remain aware of the principles of this common respiratory condition:
* COPDs is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23m deaths (2019)
* COPD is the 7th leading cause of poor health worldwide (in DALY)
* #Tobacco smoking accounts for over 70% of #COPD cases in high-income countries and 30%-40% in low-middle-income countries (#LMIC) with an estimated 30% #COPD cases in people who never smoked.
* Nearly 90% of COPD deaths of those under 70 years old occur in #LMIC.
* Countries like Australia estimate 1 in 13 people over 40 years have #COPD
(Source: World Health Organization, 2023)
#COPD is a general term given to several common lung conditions such as #bronchitis and #emphysema which cause restricted airflow and breathing difficulties in affected persons. Symptoms typically include phlegm, wheezing, cough and tiredness. #COPD and #asthma share common symptoms (cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing) and people may suffer from both conditions.
#Smoking, #airpollution and workplace exposure can all contribute to ill health by either causing or worsening a pre-existing condition. Those with #COPD are also more prone to other health conditions such as lung infections, flu, #pneumonia, #lungcancer, heart problems, weak muscles, brittle bones, and depression. Symptoms can worsen over time and regular flare-ups are common and often caused by a respiratory infection.
Some preventative measures include avoiding dusty environments, cessation of smoking, avoiding air pollution as well and having an annual #influenza and/or #pneumonia vaccine, #covid19 boosters, antibiotics, steroids, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation.
Common risk factors that may cause the narrowing, irritation, blocking, and destruction of part of the lungs as well as inflammation and swelling of the airway lining include:
Tobacco usage
Second-hand smoke
Vaping smoke and shisha
Exposure to air contaminants e.g. gases, vapours, fumes, mists, and dusts
Indoor air pollution which can cause high levels of smoke exposure such as the burning of biomass fuels
Early childhood events such as frequent and severe respiratory infections e.g., asthma, prematurity, and some genetic conditions may be factors that increase vulnerability in later life.
#COPD is not curable, however, several treatments and pulmonary rehabilitation may help to relieve symptoms. The key is to avoid exposure to known risk factors and maintain a healthy and active lifestyle which can improve symptoms of #COPD.
To follow more of my work in #health and #industrialhygiene or to schedule a consultation, please visit my website: www.nayabsultan.com
