Long-term exposure to air pollution ups the risk of developing emphysema in a similar way to smoking, according to a recent study. The research – carried out by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), both part of the US National Institutes of Health – […]
COPD
COPD: a million deaths per year, still no spotlight
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) claims nearly a million lives per year in India alone yet still remains a relatively unknown condition in the country. COPD is India’s second most common cause of death, accounting for thirteen percent of all deaths in the country according to studies from 2018. Despite such a high burden, it […]
India’s second biggest killer, a relative unknown?
Despite accounting for thirteen percent of all deaths in India in 2016, few could explain the risks or symptoms of the disease. Despite its common nature, many could not even call the condition by name. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) does not share the same public spotlight as other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer […]
Disease profiles: What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a broad term used to describe a number of progressive lung diseases in which symptoms worsen over time. These include emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. Prevalence COPD is becoming ever more widespread in India. One of the key risk factors for developing many of the conditions covered […]