Awareness of COPD Must Be Raised

COPD is one of the most frequently seen diseases worldwide, yet among those with the lowest public awareness. Pointing out that only one in every 10 COPD patients is aware of their condition, Chest Diseases Specialists Prof. Dr. Kemal Tahaoğlu and Dr. Esra Sönmez from Anadolu Health Center stated, "The primary cause of COPD is tobacco use. Genetic susceptibility, exposure to environmental irritants, occupational exposure to dust and chemicals, air pollution and urban living are also among the causes of COPD. In recent years, the frequency of COPD in women is increasing due to rising tobacco use among women," they said.

COPD More Common in Women

COPD frequency is closely linked to smoking rates, according to Prof. Dr. Kemal Tahaoğlu and Dr. Esra Sönmez. "According to research, 80 to 90 percent of COPD cases are caused by smoking. One in every five smokers has a risk of developing COPD. Although it is perceived as a male disease in general society, the increase in smoking among women is also increasing the frequency of COPD in women," they explained. Chest Diseases Specialists Prof. Dr. Kemal Tahaoğlu and Dr. Esra Sönmez noted that those at risk for COPD are not only smokers. "COPD can develop in former smokers and people continuously exposed to secondhand smoke. Additionally, COPD can also develop as a result of exposure to chemical fumes and organic dust," they said.

Pay Attention to Symptoms

Prof. Dr. Kemal Tahaoğlu and Dr. Esra Sönmez emphasized that a significant portion of the disease manifests with certain complaints, particularly evident in early stages. "In advanced stages, COPD causes complaints such as shortness of breath, cough, sputum production, chest tightness, wheezing and cyanosis. These complaints start insidiously and can persist for months or even years. However, in a significant proportion of patients, particularly in early stages, the disease may be asymptomatic or certain complaints that overlap with other diseases delay diagnosis," they said. Listing the symptoms of COPD, Prof. Tahaoğlu and Dr. Sönmez stated, "If a person with no previous problems suddenly develops shortness of breath, followed by cough, and this problem persists for a long time, recovery from viral infections takes a long time, and the person has risk factors, the presence of COPD should be suspected," they said.      

8 Recommendations for COPD Patients

• Do not smoke.
• Get flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
• Use COPD medications correctly.
• Exercise.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Use your energy wisely and stay away from stress.
• If your doctor recommends it based on your blood gas measurement results, undergo continuous oxygen therapy.
• Take measures to reduce your attacks and recognize when you are having an attack.