Campaign vs COPD launched

As part of the celebration of World COPD Day last Nov. 19, leading lung experts in the country have again renewed their vow to fight cigarette smoking, the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

Spearheaded by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) and in cooperation with Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer, hundreds of patients and respiratory educators gathered at the Quezon City Memorial Circle to raise awareness on COPD, the sixth leading cause of death worldwide.

According to Dr. Encarnita Limpin, chairman of the PCP’s Tobacco or Health and Air Pollution (TOHAP) Council, the best way to fight COPD is through prevention.

"We are doing a lot of advocacies to increase awareness and support the people toward tobacco control," she said.

The TOHAP Council has adopted the "Be smart, stop smoking" slogan for smokers.

"When you stop smoking, the deterioration of your lung function will slow down. You can still expect some decline but it will be as fast as it would be when one is smoking. In addition, the risk factor of an individual to other diseases will also be decreased," Limpin said.

The awareness campaign being undertaken by Limpin’s group does not only target smokers but also non-smokers who could acquire the disease through second-hand smoke.

"Second-hand smoke is more dangerous than smoking the cigarette itself," Limpin said.

Although there is no actual study done yet, Limpin estimated that there are about 16 million Filipinos who are suffering from COPD. The sad fact about this is that a large number of these people acquired the disease through second-hand smoke.

"Non-smokers are mum about the cigarette’s effect on their health. With the growing number of COPD cases, I think this is the time for them to speak up and let their voice against smoking be heard," Limpin said.

The national government is also doing its share in the prevention of COPD and other lung diseases. Republic Act 9211, otherwise known as the Tobacco Regulation Act, has been passed, prohibiting smoking in public and confined areas where people can be affected by cigarette smoke.

"This is a progress of some sorts. But like any other law, this is only as good as its implementation. The law now exists but it should be supported by the people," Limpin said.

Limpin lamented that the problem on COPD is becoming worse. However, she said there is a very simple step which can be done to put a stop to the problem.

"The rule is simple. For the smokers, stop smoking, and for those who are not smoking, don’t even think about starting. This is the time to be smart," she said.