Air pollution

The number of patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is increasing at a fast pace. The disease makes it difficult for patients to breathe. The outbreak of this diseases is mainly due to tobacco consumption and air pollution. According to some healthcare experts, the disease is currently the fourth leading cause of death worldwide and is projected to be the third leading cause of death by 2020.More than three million people die of the disease every year and up to 10 percent of adults over age 40 worldwide may have it. According to WHO statistics, the estimated COPD death rate in Pakistan was 71 death per 100,000 people, which was the fourth highest death rate among the 25 most populous nations in the world.
A simple, painless breath test called spirometery can confirm whether a person possesses COPD or not. But, unfortunately, this test is not available in most hospitals in the country. Because of late diagnosis, chances of survival of patients are minimum. The treatment is more effective when the disease is diagnosed early. The government and the healthcare department must take measures not only for implementation of anti-smoking laws, but also for the control of atmospheric pollution.
Salman Khan Soomro
Larkana