According to consultant physician, respiratory medicine and interventional pulmonologist Dr Syed Ajmal Syed Ali, low awareness is one of the country’s biggest challenges in combatting COPD. The disease, which includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, develops gradually over several years.

“Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD, and it directly relates to how much you smoke and for how long. Symptoms include a persistent cough – often mistaken for a ‘normal’ smoker’s cough or asthma.

“As a result, many are only diagnosed when their symptoms worsen, usually when they are above 60. This late diagnosis means treatment options are more limited,” he explained.

Syed Ajmal said it is a misconception that COPD only affects older people, noting that even former smokers remain at risk. As such, public education, as well as efforts to raise awareness through media campaigns and support groups, are crucial to encourage early diagnosis and better disease management.

Give that early intervention and access to treatment can improve quality of life for COPD patients, he urged both current and former smokers to undergo screening.

Syed Ajmal noted that while smoking is the most prominent cause of COPD, environmental exposures – such as indoor air pollution from biomass fuels and occupational hazards like inhaling fine dust in certain industries – could also contribute to the disease.

In addition, a genetic factor known as “alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency” could lead to early-onset COPD even in non-smokers, as this genetic component protects lung tissue from proteolytic damage.

Treatment options for COPD include pulmonary rehabilitation, designed to increase physical fitness, reduce symptoms, and improve the overall quality of life for patients. Typically running for 6-12 weeks, this programme includes exercise training, education, and support to help patients manage their symptoms.

Syed Ajmal also highlighted the availability of pharmacological treatments such as inhalers that help open the airways and reduce lung inflammation, in addition to newer treatments such as bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves.

“This minimally invasive procedure involves placing one-way valves in the diseased parts of the lung, allowing trapped air to escape and healthy lung tissue to function better, which significantly improves breathing and quality of life for the right candidates,” he said.

Ultimately, Syed Ajmal stressed that quitting smoking is the most critical step in managing COPD. “It is the single best thing a patient can do, as it prevents further lung damage, even though existing damage cannot be entirely reversed.”