Most of us live believing that the air inside our homes is safe to breathe. However, indoor air is sometimes even more polluted than outside. Indoor air pollutants can trigger respiratory discomfort, lung diseases, and exacerbations of COPD.
Air pollution indoors is an important risk factor for the development of chronic respiratory diseases.
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable respiratory disease characterized by persistent symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and sputum production.
Tens of millions of people worldwide suffer from COPD, a life-threatening lung disease that encompasses many conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
COPD: in numbers
More than 400 million people worldwide suffer from COPD. In India, the expected cases of COPD are around 15 million, of whom 9 million are men and 6 million are women.
COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of death in the world, leading to about 6% of all deaths.
Risk factors
Smoking is an important risk factor for COPD worldwide. However, there is an increase in cases of non-smoking COPD, especially in developing countries such as India, where indoor air quality is low.
World No Tobacco Day: Smoking can hurt the eyes, bones and brain
Exciting killings
May 31, 2018
Most smokers believe that smoking is legal. No matter how you turn yourself in, tobacco is harmful to your health. Tobacco contains more than 7,000 known toxins and 70 carcinogens (chemicals that increase the risk of cancer) and can damage almost every organ in the body.
Dr. Sachin Kumar, Senior Consultant of Pulmonology at Sakra World Hospital, explains how smoking affects every part of your body.
The next time you are tempted to take a drag, stop for a minute and think about the consequences of your indulgence.
Brain
May 31, 2018
Smoking usually helps smokers relax in the short term. But at a huge price in the long run. Smoking results in addiction and anxiety. It changes brain chemistry and may increase the risk of stroke.
Mouth and throat
May 31, 2018
Cancer of the mouth and throat is common among smokers. In addition, smoking can also result in gum disease, premature tooth loss, tooth discoloration, etc.
Lungs
May 31, 2018
Lung cancer, one of the leading causes of death in the world, develops due to smoking. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which causes difficulty in breathing, is another common cause of death among smokers. Chronic bronchitis, inflammation of the bronchi which also results in difficulty breathing, is mainly caused due to smoking.
Smoking also increases the risk of other infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.
Heart
May 31, 2018
Smoking is a major cause of heart disease. Regular smokers, as well as passive / passive smokers, are at high risk for heart disease.
Tobacco also contributes to heart conditions by reducing good cholesterol (HDL) and increasing bad cholesterol (LDL and triglycerides) in the body.
It has been proven that passive smoke or Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) contains the same hazardous chemicals as cigarettes, including formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. It is estimated that 7% of women, who use biomass and have never smoked in their lifetime, also suffer from COPD.
Most of our rural population still depends on biomass fuel for cooking. The smoke emitted by these fuels creates dangerous chemicals that can lead to respiratory problems such as COPD if people are exposed to it for a longer period of time.
The other risk factors for people staying at home are common biological pollutants such as mold, pollen, animal hair and dust mites.
Can COPD be reversed?
This condition can not be completely reversed, but a healthy lifestyle and appropriate treatment can help in controlling the disease.
In general, men and women are exposed to air pollutants indoors and are 2-3 times more likely to be diagnosed with respiratory conditions. People spend most of their time indoors. Therefore, it is essential to take immediate steps to improve indoor air quality.
Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality: – Wash clothes frequently to get rid of mites. Keeping the internal humidity level below 50% can also help.
– Avoid smoking indoors to improve air quality.
– Keeping the plants indoors can be a health benefit. Several studies suggest that indoor plants can significantly reduce indoor air pollution.
– Air filtration units can also be used to improve indoor air quality. The use of LPG instead of cooking biomass fuel can significantly reduce the level of internal pollution.
Simple measures taken to improve air quality inside homes and offices can significantly reduce the burden of chronic respiratory diseases.
(Author is pneumologist consultant at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals in Bengaluru)
Better skin, more economy and other amazing benefits of saying no to smoking
Kick ass
June 11, 2018
Usually, the urge to smoke lasts only a few minutes. Every time you feel the urge to swallow, drink plenty of water to lessen craving.
One of the main reasons behind the urge to smoke is due to stress. So, keep stress at bay by practicing yoga and engaging in therapeutic activities such as dancing, gardening and playing your favorite sport.
Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for yourself. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing cancer and several other diseases. However, Pooja Duggal, CEO of HealthHunt, shares another five benefits of saying no to smoking.
Improved Senses
June 11, 2018
Smoking can numb your taste and smell. However, the damage is reversible. A few days after leaving, your food will taste and smell better. Over time, your taste buds will return to normal and you will enjoy your meals to the fullest.
Better energy levels
June 11, 2018
Once you stop smoking, the level of oxygen increases in your body. Oxygen increases the energy that helps even more in physical activities. Sinking this pack of cigarettes can help you get those six pack abs.
Better and younger skin
June 11, 2018
Smoking can lead to premature signs of aging, such as fine lines, sagging skin, wrinkles and uneven tone. By saying no smoking, you can achieve flawless and youthful skin.
Extra Savings
June 11, 2018
Cigarettes have become more expensive than ever after GST of 28% in tobacco. If you smoke a cigarette a day at Rs 15, you end up spending Rs 450 per month. For people who smoke more than one cigarette, the value continues to increase. For a month, if you put the money spent on cigarettes and smoking materials in a piggy bank, you'll be surprised to see how much you managed to collect.
