Prisha M., CA

My grandfather suddenly passed away a few years back in India due to COPD. I did not have much understanding of COPD back then, but a few questions kept bothering me. What causes COPD? Did he know that he had COPD? Did he take any proper medications to prevent this? Can COPD only happen in places where the air is inherently polluted, or is it mainly because of one’s own actions? Is there a cure for COPD? Is this genetically disposed?

I tried to dig more and understand if COPD was prevalent in advanced countries like the USA, where there are much stricter standards for air pollution. Upon further investigation, I was startled that more than 16 million adults suffer from COPD, affecting all genders equally. Globally, more than 65 million suffer from COPD, and roughly 3.2 million die every year. This is one of the leading causes of death that sadly can be prevented. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common symptoms of COPD. 

My grandfather died because of emphysema. He was a long-time cigarette smoker, and that, in hindsight, was the main reason why he succumbed to COPD. However, he was never diagnosed. He never bothered to discuss his symptoms with any doctor, let alone any of his family. In the later part of his life, his cigarette smoking habit had reduced, but enough damage had been done already. 

Other main reasons are air pollution, secondhand smoke and bad air quality in general. If COPD cannot be cured, then what can be done to curb it? Clearly, this is the crux of the problem, and it seems that there is not much awareness in the public domain. There should be an outcry against smoking and vaping, and we should demand steps be taken. 

Lowering air pollution caused by industries that billow harmful smoke across the globe should be controlled. Cars and on-road vehicles emit tons of harmful chemicals in the air daily. Vaping stores are prevalent across our country, and there is no oversight on this industry. As I look today, I see so many kids who actively indulge in the use of cigarettes and vapes. I wonder if they fully understand the perils of their choice. 

I want to increase awareness among all kids in their high school. My call to actions are :
Create mandatory sessions in PE classes where the dangers of COPD are discussed every year
Create a forum in all high schools where kids that are found smoking or vaping outside schools are given due counseling free of cost
Every city and county library should have banners reminding us all of such dangers.

Like-minded high schoolers should contact their school principals to ensure that there is more awareness of the dangers of COPD. We can curb this menace if we all collectively get serious and push this agenda.