Date:20/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112060740800.htm

Andhra Pradesh

COPD responsible for 1,26,000 deaths annually

Special Correspondent

KURNOOL: G. Kullayappa, retired chest specialist, has said it is nearly impossible to restore a lung to its original status once affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD).

Addressing a meeting in connection with the COPD day here on Wednesday, Dr. Kullayappa said chain smoking was the main cause of COPD.

The symptoms of the disease include cough, breathing through the mouth, discomfort in chest and sounds during breathing and oedema of face and foot. He said the COPD was causing 1,26,000 deaths every year and the disease could be controlled to some extent if detected early.