COMPASS/WWAN H PRABOWO
A medical officer analyzes a lung X-ray of a patient undergoing treatment at the Pulmonary Clinic of Persahabatan Hospital, East Jakarta, Friday (3/3/2017).
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are more susceptible to experiencing the severity of the disease when infected with Covid-19. Efforts to improve lung health are also very important so that the patient’s quality of life is maintained properly.
Susanthy Djajalaksana, a specialist in pulmonology and pulmonary respiration medicine at Hermina Tangkuban Perahu Hospital, Malang, explained that the number of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) did not decrease during the pandemic. The number is actually estimated to increase along with the magnitude of the risk factors that occur. There are currently 4.8 million COPD cases in Indonesia.
“COPD is a progressive respiratory disease. This disease mainly occurs in the elderly who are often exposed to air pollution and cigarette smoke,” he said.
Susanthy added, COPD patients need to pay more attention to their health condition from the risk of Covid-19 infection. In addition to being more susceptible to contracting Covid-19, COPD patients are more susceptible to disease severity and require intensive care.
COPD is a progressive respiratory disease. This disease mainly occurs in old age who are often exposed to air pollution and cigarette smoke.
On the other hand, someone who is infected with Covid-19 can develop COPD. At least 2-13 percent of the total number of Covid-19 sufferers have COPD. This number could be greater because COPD detection is still lacking in the community.
Also read: Smoke Triggers Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
To prevent worsening of COPD patients, Susanthy said, efforts to maintain lung health are very important to do. There are at least a number of ways that can be done, namely staying active, staying obedient to treatment, consuming food with balanced nutrition, keeping regular check-ups with the doctor, vaccinating, and doing respiratory rehabilitation therapy.
EXPOSURE OF PULMONOLOGY SPECIALISTS AND PULMONARY RESPIRATION MEDICINE
Tips for maintaining lung health
Respiratory rehabilitation therapy can be done by walking or doing a stationary bike. This therapy can improve the physical and emotional condition of the patient so that it can prevent recurrence while improving their quality of life.
Susanthy said, another way that is no less important to maintain lung health for COPD patients is to avoid exposure to toxic substances such as cigarette smoke, vehicle pollution, or irritants (substances that can trigger inflammation). It is important to note that patients do not experience worsening and recurrence of COPD.
“COPD patients must also obey health protocols by washing their hands, maintaining distance, reducing travel, and vaccinating. The risk of being infected with Covid-19 must be avoided,” he said.
The Chair of the Infection Working Group of the Indonesian Lung Doctors Association, Erlina Burhan, said that pneumonia is one of the lung diseases that must be watched out for. Pneumonia is an inflammatory or inflammatory condition that occurs in the lung tissue. This inflammation is caused by microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
The incidence of pneumonia is most commonly found in the elderly and children under five years of age. These two groups are more susceptible to pneumonia because the body’s defense system or immunity is weak. In the elderly, the level of immunity decreases, while in children under the age of five it is not yet fully formed.
KOMPAS/IRMA TAMBUNAN
Betumpal (1.5 years), a baby from the Orang Rimba group in the Terab area, Batanghari, Jambi, is suspected to be malnourished. Nurse at the Raden Mattaher Regional General Hospital, Jambi, Friday (10/4/2015). checking the weight of patients with bronchopneumonia or pneumonia is only 7.5 kilograms.
Pneumonia is even the leading cause of death for children under five years of age. The Ministry of Health noted that pneumonia cases in children aged 0-5 years were estimated to increase from 885.482 cases in 2019 to 890,151 cases in 2020. However, the recorded death toll fell from 550 in 2019 to 498 cases in 2020. This decline is expected due to the number of reported cases. not reported.
Also read: Pneumonia is the Main Cause of Death of Toddlers in the World
Erlina said that people need to be more aware to prevent the risk of pneumonia. The steps are no different from the prevention of Covid-19, such as washing hands frequently and maintaining cleanliness, wearing masks, and eating foods with balanced nutrition.
“Treatment can be given to pneumonia patients, but prevention efforts are still much better. Clean and healthy living behavior is an effective prevention effort. Early detection also needs to be done so that treatment can be given quickly,” he said.
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