MONDAY-HEALTH
World Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease on the 23rd November
2016 .
We spoke to Professor Keertan
Dheda Head Division of Pulmonology speaking on COPD (Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease). COPD is a
progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive"
means the disease gets worse over time.
The leading cause of COPD is
due to smoking, most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term
exposure to other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust,
TB and HIV may also contribute to COPD.
When you smoke the tiny air
sacks in the lungs gets destroyed, over time the disease will become more serve
if you do not quit smoking.
Some of the symptoms are
difficult in breathing or shortness of breath, coughing and the immune system
gets weak/ weakening the lungs, chest infections/ tightness. This disease is
not curable, but treatment is available.
For more information
contact:
Email: keertan.dheda@uct.ac.za
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