WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTDR SYED AJMAL SYED ALI Consultant Physician and Respiratory Medicine & Interventional Pulmonologist Sunway Medical Centre |
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: A SIGNIFICANT BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED DISEASE
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- In Malaysia, statistics from 2003 estimated that 4.7% of Malaysians have COPD.
WHAT IS COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that causes airflow limitation and breathing difficulties.
According to Dr Syed Ajmal Syed Ali, COPD includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
- Chronic bronchitis involves long-term inflammation of the airways.
- Emphysema causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs.
Symptoms
People with COPD typically experiences symptoms such as:
- Chronic or long term frequent and persistent cough, with or without mucus.
- Shortness of breath that gradually gets worse over time.
- Wheezing sounds when breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss.
- Flu-like symptoms.
EFFECTS OF COPD ON ONE’S HEALTH
- COPD leads to chronic inflammation and narrowing of the airways, resulting in reduced airflow and difficulties in breathing.
- Symptoms typically worsen over time and can lead to severe limitations in daily activities.
- One may experience sudden worsening of symptoms that often require urgent medical intervention.
- COPD is also linked to increased risks of other health issues, including lung infections, heart disease, and mental health problems like anxiety and depression.
POSSIBLE CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Smoking
The primary cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, which includes exposure to second-hand smoke or inhalation of cigarette smoke. Other tobacco products, such as cigars and pipes, also contribute to the risk.
This is why more and more younger people are at risk of developing COPD. Dr Syed Ajmal notes that, in Malaysia, the high prevalence of smoking is a primary risk factor.
“There’s a misconception that COPD is just a disease of old age, but it can affect younger people too, especially those who smoke,” he explains.
He adds: “Former smokers are also at risk. The earlier you smoke, the risk of developing COPD younger increases.”
| The recent implementation of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 on October 1, 2024, which prohibits the sale of tobacco and vape products to minors and restricts their use in public spaces, may be a crucial step in reducing exposure to harmful substances that contribute to diseases like COPD, especially among young people. |
Other Risk Factors
- Long-term exposure to air pollutants (dust, chemical fumes, et cetera). Hence, people that work in environments that are heavy in air pollution should take precautions to avoid inhaling these pollutants.
- Genetic factors, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
- Age. COPD is more common in older adults, particularly those over 35 years old.
TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION
Effective management of COPD focuses on slowing disease progression and improving the patient’s quality of life.
According to Dr Syed Ajmal, the most critical step for smokers in managing COPD is smoking cessation. This prevents further lung damage, although the damage already done cannot be entirely reversed.
In addition to smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation plays a vital role in the treatment plan.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence-based programme designed to increase physical fitness, reduce symptoms, and improve the overall quality of life for COPD patients.
- It typically runs for 6 to 12 weeks and includes exercise training, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms.
| This article is part of our series on respiratory health and other issues related to our breathing as well as our lungs and other structures in our respiratory system. |
