Antidepressants can increase the risk of developing COPD

GREATER KAILASH, India - June 27, 2018 - PRLog -- According to new study, the use of antidepressants can increase the risk of death by 20% for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This habit is also likely to increase the likelihood of hospitalization by 15% due to related symptoms. These drugs can cause sleepiness and vomiting and negatively impact immune system cells. This can further lead to infections, breathing issues, and other respiratory adverse events.

In India, COPD is the second biggest cause of mortality and a serious public health concern. COPD is a group of progressive lung diseases, the most common ones being emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Many people with COPD have both these conditions.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr K K Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, "COPD is a disease that develops over time, with some of the major reasons for it being smoking and exposure to chemical irritants. Some people are also genetically predisposed to developing COPD. About 5% people with this condition have a deficiency in a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin which causes lungs to deteriorate and can also affect the liver. The stages of this condition range from stage I to stage IV. With time, the disease progressively becomes worse. Stage IV is also known as 'end stage' COPD. Most of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged or older adults. The disease is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person."

Some common signs and symptoms of COPD include ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus; shortness of breath, especially with physical activity; wheezing or a whistling or squeaky sound while breathing; chest tightness.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor of IJCP, said, "The most effective and preventative therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is to avoid contact with tobacco smoke. Medication includes bronchodilators that relax the muscles around the airways. These help in opening the airways and make breathing easier. Surgery is usually the last resort and undertaken only after all other options do not benefit the patient."

Some tips from HCFI.

Give up smoking You may try alternative nicotine replacement therapy or get help from a certified professional.

Eat healthy and exercise: Make sure your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants present in them are required to give a boost to your immunity against conditions such as COPD.

Get good rest and avoid stress Long-term stress is a major risk factor for a number of health conditions.

Practice breathing exercises These will help clear airways and pave way for better respiratory health.

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About Heart Care Foundation of India

Initiated in 1986, the Heart Care Foundation of India is a leading National NGO working in the field of creating mass health awareness among people from all walks of life and providing solutions for India's everyday healthcare needs. The NGO uses consumer-based entertainment modules to impart health education and increase awareness amongst people. A leading example of this is the Perfect Health Mela; an annual event started in 1993 that is attended by over 2-3 lakh people each year. The Mela showcases activities across categories such as health education seminars and check-ups, entertainment programs, lifestyle exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and competitions. In addition to this, the NGO conducts programs and camps to train people on the technique of hands only CPR through its CPR 10 mantra for revival after a sudden cardiac arrest. They currently hold three Limca book of world records for the maximum number of people trained in hands-only CPR in one go. Keeping article 21 of the Indian Constitution in mind, which guarantees a person Right to Life, Heart Care Foundation of India has also recently initiated a project called the Sameer Malik Heart Care Foundation Fund to ensure that no one dies of a heart disease just because they cannot afford treatment.

For more information, please contact

Heart Care Foundation of India

Sanjeev Khanna-9871079105

Md Adib Ahmed- 9873716235

Email- media.hcfi@gmail.com