BENGALURU: City-based pulmonologists say that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), earlier known to afflict smokers, has now become a common ailment among all people due to air pollution.
Dr Priya Ramachandra, pulmonologist, St John’s Medical College Hospital said, “COPD is not contagious. Those with the ailment will face difficulty in breathing. Around 25-50 per cent of the patients are even unaware of the existence of the problem.” Watch out for persistent cough, phlegm formation and fatigue on climbing stairs as these are typical symptoms, say doctors. They add that patients should seek medical help at the earliest.