Why spirometry matters and how to guard against COPD

Ever heard the one-liner, 'Every breath is a paint stroke of life?' How our lungs function often determines the quality of our lives. Spirometry tests are a type of test that helps assess airway blockages and detect related problems. Lung function tests can reveal not only lung health but also a person's overall health. Doing spirometry at regular intervals enables early diagnosis and timely treatment of various lung diseases, including COPD.

Tobacco use, air pollution, and lung infections can harm lung health over time. These factors increase the risk of chronic lung diseases that, once developed, are difficult to reverse.

What is COPD?
COPD is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It's a condition in which the airways/ windpipes narrow, and the lungs gradually decline in function. The key symptoms include difficulty in breathing and breathlessness during strenuous physical activity. A person may also experience frequent coughing and dyspnea. As the disease progresses, oxygen levels in the body can drop, eventually leading to respiratory failure.

According to estimates by the World Health Organisation, COPD ranks third among the leading causes of death globally. Nearly 90% of COPD-related deaths occur among people under the age of 70 in underdeveloped and developing countries. COPD is also the seventh leading cause of poor health worldwide.

In developed countries, smoking accounts for about 70 per cent of COPD cases. In developing and underdeveloped nations, this stands at 30-40 per cent.  Air pollution and smoke from traditional hearths are major contributors to COPD in these countries.

Preventive measures
A clear understanding of COPD helps pave the way for preventing the disease. Avoiding exposure to risk factors is key to protecting your lungs.