Breathless not helpless I0% of adults have chronic lung disease in Pakistan.

KARACHI, November 17, 2009 (Balochistan Times): Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly known as chronic bronchitis and emphysema affects more than 340 million people worldwide and represents the fourth leading cause of death, after heart attack, stroke and pneumonia; this was stated by Dr. Ali Zubairi Assistant Professor at Aga Khan University (AKU). He was addressing a seminar organized by Section of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine AKU in collaboration with Pakistan Chest Society to commemorate the World COPD day being held today. Although COPD is increasing in prevalence it is widely under-diagnosed and under-treated in Pakistan . Smoking is by far the most important risk factor responsible for this disease, he added. It is estimated that about 10% of adult population in Pakistan above the age of 40 are suffering from COPD. The most important early symptom of this disease is persistent cough accompanied with sputum. As the disease advances a person starts to feel short of breath even on slightest exertion. If COPD is detected early, treatments are available to prevent further deterioration of lung function. Professor Javaid Khan, Head Section of Lung Diseases at AKU in his presentation on the effects of smoking on lungs said that even smoking 1 to 4 cigarettes/day for few years is sufficient to cause irreversible damage to the lungs. The theme of this years World COPD Day is Breathless not Helpless. This positive message emphasizes that effective treatments are available to help people who have been diagnosed with COPD feel better and live more active lives, he reassured. Unfortunately most patients in Pakistan present to their doctors very late when severe damage to lungs had already been done he regretted. The best way to prevent this disease is to avoid smoking altogether. Those who are regular smokers should seek help from their doctors who could guide them in quitting smoking by using modern quit smoking medicines, advised Prof Khan. Dr. Javed Hussain Assistant professor AKU in his presentation on the diagnosis of COPD said that the early stages of this disease are often unrecognized and most people come to their doctor when disease is already very advanced. So called smokers cough is the early sign of this disease but most smokers do not take any notice of this early symptom of COPD, he explained. COPD has a large impact on quality of life for patients and their families, and kills millions of people worldwide. In patients at risk, a simple, painless test called spirometry can help diagnose the disease, he added. Dr. Nisar Rao of OJHA Institute of Chest Diseases in his presentation said that if COPD is detected early treatments are available to prevent further lung deterioration. Giving the background information about the World COPD Day he said that this day was organized by GOLD (the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease). He also introduced the COPD Assessment Test - CAT. This short and simple test provides physicians and patients with a common understanding and grading of the impact of COPD, to facilitate optimal patient management. Many national organizations like Pakistan Chest Society, National Alliance for Tobacco Control were also participating in this world-wide event .Purpose of this day was to raise awareness about COPD which is rapidly rising in developing countries like Pakistan, he explained. He said that COPD is the most common reason for hospitalization from a lung disease in Pakistan . Dr. Nawal Salahuddin Associate Professor AKU said that the use of solid fuel like wood and coal in cooking is another important cause for this disease in women living in rural areas of the country. She urged the government to take measures for the implementation of clean air laws in the country as COPD can also occur from exposure to second hand smoke.

(THROUGH ASIA PULSE)