Nithya Kriya - Pulmonary Disease
The World Today
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019.
- Nearly 90% of COPD deaths in those under 70 years of age occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
- COPD causes persistent and progressive respiratory symptoms, including difficulty in breathing, cough and phlegm production.
- COPD results from long-term exposure to harmful gases and particles combined with individual factors, including events which influence lung growth in childhood and genetics.
- Environmental exposure to tobacco smoke, indoor air pollution and occupational dusts, fumes and chemicals are important risk factors for COPD.
- Early diagnosis and treatment, including smoking cessation support, is needed to slow the progression of symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)