Know Your Lung Function

Dr. Sofia Salim Malik, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, Allergy, Immunology & Sleep Consultant, SUT Hospital, Pattom

‘Know your lung function’ is the theme of this year’s World COPD Day. It is meant to highlight the importance of measuring one’s lung function, also known as spirometry.Although spirometry is used in diagnosing obstructive airway disease, it is also used for measuring one’s lung health throughout life.

Lung function test or spirometry is not only a predictor for lung health, but our overall health. Measuring lung function throughout life can provide opportunities for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of multiple lung diseases including COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Insults to the lung, like tobacco smoke, pollution and respiratory infections can impede lung growth and development and increase our risk of developing chronic lung disease later in life.

What is COPD?

It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways and alveoli which lead to gradual, permanent narrowing of the airways and abnormal dilatation of the alveoli, causing breathlessness on exertion, cough and extreme tiredness. When it becomes severe, it causes a reduction in oxygen levels and ultimately, respiratory failure.

The risk factors for COPD are:

• Smoking
• Exposure to pollution
• Genetics
• Recurrent respiratory infections in childhood
• Advancing age

WHO Statistics

According to WHO, COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. It is the 3rdleading cause of death worldwide.

About 90% of COPD deaths are under 70 years of age and occur in low-middle income countries. COPD is the 7thleading cause of poor health worldwide. Tobacco smoking accounts for 70% of COPD in high income countries, while in low-middle income countries, tobacco smoking contributes to only 30-40% of COPD cases. The rest is due to domestic smoke and air pollution.

What is to be done?

Empowering with knowledge about COPD is the key to protect one from this preventable and progressive disease. So, prevention of exposure to risk factors plays an important role in combating COPD.

The steps one can take to take care of your lung include:

• Quit smoking and prevent exposure to second hand smoke
• Prevention of exposure to domestic smoke
• Staying active by doing regular exercise thereby improving your lung function and general health
• Eat a healthy diet to safeguard one’s immune system
• Manage comorbidities like Asthma, Diabetes and Hypertension
• Stay informed by educating yourself about COPD

To conclude, World COPD Day serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and measuring one’s lung function. The theme “Know Your Lung Function” should inspire us to prioritize our lung health and to take proactive steps in safeguarding out overall wellbeing.

Summary for LinkedIn:World COPD Day highlights the theme “Know Your Lung Function,” emphasizing the importance of spirometry in diagnosing and monitoring lung health. COPD, a chronic airway disease caused by smoking, pollution, and infections, is the 3rd leading cause of death globally. Prevention, awareness, and lifestyle changes are vital for combating this preventable condition.