Lung disease on the rise due to smoking

by Carol Aloysius

Tobacco smoking is the main cause for the sharp rise in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) President, Sri Lanka College of Pulmonologists and Consultant Respiratory Physician at the National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases, Welisara, Dr Saman Kularatne told the Sunday Observer.

Recent studies conducted by the Health Ministry have shown a sharp rise in COPD over the past two decades with 75 percent of cases being attributed to tobacco smoking. COPD, a non communicable disease causes breathing difficulties and leads to permanent damage to the lungs. It is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

Over 15 percent of those who smoke one packet of cigarettes a day and 25 percent who smoke 40 cigarettes a day will develop COPD if they continue to do so, Dr. Kularatne said.

"At present four or five patients with COPD exacerbations (flare-ups) are admitted daily to the Welisara National Hospital for Respiratory Diseases", he said.

"Quit smoking as those near you can also develop COPD by inhaling its fumes", he told habitual smokers.

"The only way to check a further rise in COPD is to have smoke free, dust free homes and clean working environments". Health Ministry sources said this message would be highlighted on World COPD Day (November 19). The theme is "It's not too late".