Park Hospital Mohali doctors reveal alarming rise in COPD cases; 63 million Indians affected, early screening crucial to prevent severe lung damage.
Chandigarh. The team of doctors from Park Hospital Mohali—Pulmonology Consultant Dr. Hitesh Gaur, Internal Medicine Consultants Dr. Kshitij Vashishth, Dr. Gursewak Singh, and Dr. Abhishek Kumar—shared facts and myths about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) during a press conference on Tuesday.
Pulmonology Consultant Dr. Hitesh Gaur said that after heart diseases and cancer, COPD is the third biggest killer worldwide. Many people mistake breathlessness and chronic cough as a normal part of ageing. In the early stages of the disease, symptoms often remain unnoticed.
Dr. Gaur added that COPD may exist for many years without shortness of breath becoming evident.
“At advanced stages, symptoms start appearing. COPD is a progressive lung disease that can range from mild to severe. It is characterized by obstruction in airflow in and out of the lungs, making breathing difficult.”
Internal Medicine Consultant Dr. Kshitij Vashishth stated that nearly 63 million people in India suffer from COPD.
“COPD causes more deaths than AIDS, TB, malaria, and diabetes combined. It mostly affects people aged 40 or above with a history of smoking—current or former. The prevalence of COPD in India ranges between 5.5% and 7.55%. Recent studies show prevalence rates of 22% in men and 19% in women.”
According to Internal Medicine Consultant Dr. Gursewak Singh, COPD has no complete cure, but timely treatment can prevent severe damage and improve quality of life.
Internal Medicine Consultant Dr. Abhishek Kumar said that India has the highest COPD mortality rate in the world—98 deaths per 100,000 population, which is three times higher than the U.S. (33 per 100,000).
Dr. Gaur added that early screening can help detect COPD before lung function deteriorates significantly.
“Most COPD cases occur due to inhalation of pollutants, including smoking and second-hand smoke. Smoking alone accounts for 46% of cases, followed by outdoor and indoor pollution (21%) and occupational exposure to gases or fumes (16%). Genetics also play a role, even in non-smokers.”
Risk Factors for COPD:
- History of childhood respiratory infections
- Exposure to smoke from coal or wood-burning stoves
- Exposure to second-hand smoke
- History of asthma
- Poor lung development
- Age 40+ due to natural decline in lung function
Common Symptoms & Signs:
- Chest tightness
- Chronic cough with clear/white/yellow/green mucus
- Frequent respiratory infections
- Low energy
- Sudden weight loss
- Breathlessness
- Swelling in ankles, feet, or legs
- Wheezing
