Expert attributes pulmonary disease to respiratory irritants

Expert attributes pulmonary disease to respiratory irritants
By Desmond Austin Amanyi
Pulmonary
Abuja, Nov. 27, 2018 (NAN) Dr Chioma Ofoekii, a medical practitioner based in Abuja, has identified cigarette smoking and other respiratory irritants as the major causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Ofoekii made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
“The common cause of COPD in our environment is cigarette smoking. People exposed to second hand smoke, fumes from burning fuel and cooking are also at risk.
“Other known causes are air pollution and occupational exposure to dust. Asthmatic patients who smoke are at increased risk of COPD.
“In a few percent of patients, there is a genetic deficiency of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, an enzyme that prevents destruction of the elastic fibres in the alveoli. This deficiency results in Emphysema and liver disease,” she said.
Ofoekii however said that COPD could be prevented by avoidance of smoking and respiratory irritants.
“COPD can be prevented by avoiding or cessation of smoking. Occupational exposure to respiratory irritants such as dust and fumes can be reduced by use of protective equipments.
“Depending on the severity of the disease, management ranges from cessation of smoking to pharmacotherapy, oxygen supplementation and physiotherapy. Severe cases may benefit from surgical interventions,’’ the expert said.
She also emphasised that COPD is similar to other cardiac diseases and requires regular visits to hospitals for proper diagnosis.
“It is important to note that the symptoms of COPD overlap with other respiratory and cardiac diseases, and prompt presentation to the hospital is very important to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment, and prevention of complications,” she advised. (NAN
DA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola