COPD can also occur in people who have never smoked

Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü provided important information about COPD. Defining COPD, Prof. Dr. Özlü said, "COPD, which is an abbreviation of the words Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is a chronic lung disease characterized by the obstruction of our airways. It manifests itself with complaints such as coughing, phlegm production, shortness of breath, and wheezing," he said.

"IT IS SEEN MORE IN MEN"

Stating that COPD is seen more in men, Özlü said, "COPD is a disease most commonly seen in men over 40-50 years of age who have smoked for many years. For this reason, it can often be thought of as a disease of only smokers. However, this is not true. COPD can also occur in people who have never smoked or used tobacco products," he said.

Touching on the causes of the disease, Özlü said, "Occupational exposures, indoor and outdoor air pollution, respiratory infections in childhood, premature birth, low birth weight, exposure to cigarette smoke from parents during pregnancy and/or childhood, exposure to your spouse's cigarette smoke, and some genetic changes can also contribute to the development of COPD. Most frequently, COPD can develop in non-smokers who have inhaled the smoke of biofuels such as wood, coal, and dried dung used for heating and cooking purposes in rural areas in setups such as tandoors, kitchen stoves, open fires, and heaters for a long time," he said.

"NON-SMOKERS ARE ALSO AT RISK"

Stating that the daily lives of women, especially in rural areas, mostly revolve around the fire, Özlü said, "Apart from cooking and heating, socializing with neighbors and family members for eating, drinking, tea, and coffee also takes place in this area. Stoves are lit summer and winter in plateaus, hamlets, and high-altitude villages. For this reason, we diagnose COPD in elderly women who have never smoked and who present with shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing. Especially the use of these fuels in closed environments and indoors increases the risk significantly," he expressed.

Mentioning the importance of treatment, Prof. Dr. Özlü said the following:

"These patients are often tried to be treated with antibiotics and symptom-relieving drugs with a diagnosis of respiratory tract infections; however, their complaints either do not go away or recur after short-term relief. These patients can be diagnosed with COPD through examination, pulmonary function tests, and lung imaging, and symptom control and improvement in quality of life can be achieved with COPD treatment."