COPD is a serious, life-altering disease that affects millions of people worldwide, particularly among people dependent on tobacco. COPD deserves special attention beyond just COPD Day to combat its menace. Although genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of COPD, smoking remains the main cause, with a large majority of cases coming from tobacco dependence. Furthermore, what is alarming is that COPD affects not only smokers, but also those around them, with exposure to second-hand smoke being another important cause of the disease.

Indiatoday spoke to Dr Pavan Yadav, is the principal consultant at Aster RV Hospital, Bengaluru and brings extensive experience in interventional pulmonology and lung transplantation to get more insights.

DEMYSTIFYING COPD AND ITS NUANCES

As a progressive lung disease that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, COPD progressively impairs breathing capacity and significantly limits daily life, while even posing life-threatening risks.

This chronic disease is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitations and is most commonly caused by exposure to harmful particles or gases, with tobacco smoke being the main contributor.

The disease is progressive, meaning it gets worse over time, and is often diagnosed after a significant reduction in lung function, usually in middle-aged or older adults. COPD encompasses two main conditions:

Chronic bronchitis: This form is characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and a chronic cough with mucus production.
Emphysema: In this form, the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs are damaged, reducing the lungs’ ability to transport oxygen effectively to the bloodstream.

Both conditions lead to increased shortness of breath, fatigue, and decreased ability to perform routine tasks, seriously affecting quality of life.

ADDRESSING THE THREAT OF SMOKING TO CONTAIN COPD IN THE LONG TERM

To nip the problem in the bud, one intervention that remains essential is to address the issue of smoking and smokers, an issue that remains swept under the rug in our country. And what can really make a significant difference is fostering dialogues and discussions about smoking and viewing those who smoke through a lens of empathy rather than blame and victimization.

Smoking is a complex habit, often deeply rooted in daily routine and linked to emotional, social and psychological factors. Only through a compassionate, nonjudgmental approach can family, friends, health care providers, and society at large provide essential support to people trying to quit smoking or explore better options.

Helping someone quit smoking or switch to a better option is about empowerment, encouragement and providing effective resources.

SUPPORT THE SMOKER WITH EMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING

Having dealt with many smokers who realize the repercussions of smoking, usually after 10 to 15 years of smoking, when much of the damage has been done, I often juggle the rushing thoughts of a doctor wanting to do them stop and those of an empath. willing to give them a better option that can reduce the damage.

Let’s call a spade a spade. It is not only difficult, but sometimes almost impossible, to persuade a smoker to quit, even if they realize how much it affects them, their family and those around them.

Smoking is an addiction that 9 out of 10 patients are unable to quit and this is where cessation options can be an excellent intervention. If they can’t quit smoking, let them switch to something that can at least reduce the risk to a large extent.

SOME KEY REASONS TO SUPPORT SMOKERS INCLUDE:

• Counseling centers: Behavioral therapy and counseling can help smokers manage their cravings, avoid triggers, and build resilience.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Available in patches, gum, and lozenges, NRT helps manage withdrawal symptoms by providing controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco.
• Medications: Prescription medications like bupropion or varenicline have been shown to help quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These require a doctor’s supervision but can significantly increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking.

OWN INNOVATIVE OPTIONS FOR A BETTER FUTURE

However, as medical science advances and innovation takes leaps and bounds, it is time for us to expand the range of options available to smokers who cannot quit, with the aim of reducing harms and thus create a better and safer future.

Ultimately, it’s not just the smokers, but a whole chain of people around them, including their families and friends, who remain affected by diseases such as COPD.

The intention is to provide inclusive solutions taking into account those who cannot quit smoking immediately. For a country like India, where innovation remains a bedrock in industrial sectors, including medical science, exploring and researching other options to empower smokers could be a game-changer in the long run.

It is time that we take collective responsibility as a society rather than simply placing the blame on smokers alone.