Rachakonda, Telangana: Rachakonda Police Commissioner Sri G. Sudheer Babu, IPS, stressed the urgent need to avoid smoking to prevent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an incurable and life-threatening lung condition, while addressing an awareness program held at Kamineni Hospital, LB Nagar, on the occasion of International COPD Day.
Speaking as the chief guest, the Commissioner delivered a strong message on the dangers of smoking, saying:
“If you don’t want to stop breathing, you must stop smoking. COPD is a dangerous lung disease caused by long-term smoking and inhalation of harmful substances. Once it develops, it is almost impossible to cure. Your health is in your hands—stay away from bad habits to stay safe.”
He explained that diseases like diabetes and hypertension may not always be preventable, but COPD is largely avoidable if individuals stay away from smoking and excessive pollution. He urged people, especially youth, to make wise lifestyle choices to protect their lungs in the long run.
Early Detection Can Reduce Lung Damage
Commissioner Sudheer Babu noted that early diagnosis can help reduce the severity of COPD:
Symptoms often appear after the age of 60, when lung capacity decreases.
He described COPD as “punishment in the 60s for mistakes made in the 20s.”
On this occasion, Kamineni Hospitals announced that they are offering the Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) and pulmonologist consultation at a concessional rate until the 22nd of this month to encourage early screening.
Expert’s Warning
Senior Consultant Pulmonologist Dr. Ravinder Reddy highlighted that:
* Even smoking 10 cigarettes a day for 20 years or 20 cigarettes a day for 10 years can lead to COPD.
* The disease can develop even in people who have quit smoking years earlier.
* Exposure to stove smoke and severe air pollution can also contribute.
* Only 20% of smokers develop COPD, but the damage is irreversible once it sets in.
* Vaccines such as the pneumonia vaccine and influenza vaccine are advised for those with COPD.
He clarified that while asthma can be cured, COPD cannot be completely cured, as the airways become permanently narrowed, making breathing difficult.
Our Citizen Reporter – Telangana
Mr. Bharath Reddy
