Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease that makes it difficult to empty air out of the lungs. When lungs are healthy, the airways and air sacs/pockets have an elastic, flexible quality. They expand to fill with air and then bounce back to their original shape when air is exhaled. This elasticity helps the air to move in and out. In people with COPD, the air sacs/pockets no longer bounce back to their original shape, and the airways can become swollen or thicker than normal.
COPD can also cause increased swelling and mucus (sputum) production. The airways can become partially blocked, making it even harder to get air in and out of the lungs. Early symptoms of COPD include breathlessness and cough. This may worsen over a period of time and may lead to lung attacks.
We are responding to the growing burden of COPD - recognized as one of the five surging non-communicable diseases in India that need urgent action.
Over the last 20 years, Cipla has worked towards changing doctor’s practice and patient’s perspective. We have changed the Respiratory Landscape in our country - Asthma Management with Inhalation Therapy, expanded inhalation to every small town and village, changed Rare disease management with PH Care, made inhalation easier and accessible by launching devices and introduced the Lung Attack initiative for COPD.
"Lung attack is an initiative by Cipla to increase awareness on COPD, and provide the basic knowledge on its prevention, diagnosis and management."
Lung attack is a serious and sudden increase in COPD symptoms - Breathlessness, heaviness in the chest and consistent cough. COPD worsens over time, making it harder to breathe. This leads to a decrease in the ability to do things like household work and climbing stairs.
Breathefree is a public service initiative from Cipla, for patients with chronic airway diseases. It is a comprehensive patient support system for respiratory care.
Breathefree Clinics were set up across India. These clinics are a unique service for respiratory patients and doctors which aims to enhance acceptance and adherence of inhalation therapy. Certified Breathefree Educators in Breathefree Clinic extend their assistance to patients and doctors through diagnostic support by performing Spirometer & Breathe-O meter tests, disease counselling and inhaler device counselling.
Educators ensure patient counselling through multilingual and multi-media educational resources spreading awareness about diseases and inhalers.Across India 1,25,000+ respiratory patients are benefited by the Breathefree Clinic service through 5600+ doctors and 600+ Breathefree Educators.
(*Data reference: Dec’19)
Treating COPD
COPD doesn’t have a cure, but it does have treatments that can help you live a better life. Having COPD does not mean you cannot lead a full life. With the right medication, a proper diet and lifestyle changes you can achieve good symptom control and quality of life.
COPD requires proper treatment and management. To keep it under control and manage it effectively, you need to follow your doctor’s advice thoroughly.
The symptoms may not entirely go away, however, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes you can continue living your life to the fullest.
One must not stop taking medicine if they feel better. COPD is a long term progressive disease and taking to the medicine will help in reducing breathlessness and improved quality of life. Doctor must be consulted before stopping medicine for symptoms and flare-ups (worsening of symptoms or Lung Attacks)
DOCTOR CONNECT
Cipla organises a COPD event every year - a thought Leadership Initiative where we bring together International and National Faculties to discuss the latest clinical advancements in the diagnosis and management of COPD. Additionally, we continue hosting International Speaker Programs like “Take Charge of COPD Management”
COPD Patient Care in Changing Times: Webinar
Panel discussion on Patient care beyond Bronchodilators, Pulmonary rehabilitation in the changing times and Palliative Care in COPD management
Cipla Foundation
In response to the growing burden of COPD, Cipla Foundation has been empowering lives through various initiatives, helping communities breathe better. The Foundation partnered with local Governments across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Punjab, to include diagnosis and management of COPD into their existing health interventions; in addition to upgrading the practices and infrastructure. A model for sustainable change, Project HOPE - launched in collaboration with Helpage India & Americares India - aims to raise awareness & improve health of communities around Patalganga.
In 1976, Cipla launched salbutamol, initially as tablets and syrup and subsequently as an inhaler in 1978. Salbutamol was considered a landmark in the treatment of asthma and COPD. Seen here, a page from our chairman, Dr. Y. K. Hamied’s notes for developing an original process to manufacture salbutamol.
In 2002, world-renowned expert on respiratory medicine, Prof. Peter Barnes, came to India to deliver a Cipla-hosted lecture on “New Insights into Mechanisms of COPD and Treatment Strategies”.
CiplaMed
Are you a healthcare professional? If yes, we recommend you visit Ciplamed, a unique & comprehensive online medical portal that provides a range of evidence-based and clinically relevant practice resources for healthcare practitioners
