COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a disorder that is common today and can lead to serious health problems. Factors such as increased tobacco use, intense urbanization and air pollution play an important role in triggering this disease. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Faculty Member Sabri Serhan Olcay gives important warnings on this subject and provides information about the early symptoms of the disease, its causes and ways to prevent it. COPD, which has become a major health problem worldwide, is a threat that affects not only individuals but also societies. This article aims to provide a general understanding of COPD and highlight measures that can be taken to combat the disease.
It is important to pay attention initially when experiencing symptoms such as cough, phlegm and shortness of breath, as this condition can affect not only smokers but also non-smokers. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Regarding COPD, faculty member Sabri Serhan Olcay points out that increasing tobacco use, intense urbanization and air pollution trigger this disease.
On the occasion of "World COPD Day", Dr. Olcay explains the causes, early symptoms and prevention methods of the disease. COPD is a serious disease that affects one-tenth of the adult population worldwide and is one of the three most common causes of death worldwide. While tobacco smoke is known to be the most common cause of COPD, interestingly it is estimated that 20 percent of people diagnosed with COPD are non-smokers.
Dr. Olcay states that today's tobacco use, as well as fossil fuels, air pollution and other risk factors exposed to indoors and outdoors, can also lead to COPD. Particularly in low- and middle-income countries, increasing tobacco use, dense urbanization and deteriorating air quality increase the risk of exposure to these factors.
Reducing exposure to risk factors, together with early diagnosis of patients and appropriate treatment approaches, is critical to reducing the future burden of COPD. Dr. Olcay emphasizes that complaints such as cough, phlegm, shortness of breath and fatigue may increase as the disease progresses and may negatively affect the quality of life.
Using a simple pulmonary function test to make the diagnosis is an effective method for diagnosing COPD. Precautions recommended for diagnosed people include stopping the use of tobacco and tobacco products, staying away from harmful environments, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
COPD is a disease that causes serious health problems worldwide and can lead to death. The spread of COPD, together with factors such as increasing tobacco use, urbanization and air pollution, is a major threat to public health. Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Faculty Member Sabri Serhan Olcay's warnings are an important step in preventing and managing the disease by raising awareness on this issue. At this point, it is critical for individuals to avoid tobacco use, acquire healthy living habits and pay attention to environmental factors. By combining community interventions and individual responsibilities, it is possible to reduce the effects of COPD and minimize the future health burden. Therefore, supporting awareness efforts regarding COPD and acting in collaboration with the healthcare community is an important step to improve the overall health of the society.