KUALA LUMPUR: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a significant yet often overlooked health issue in Malaysia, affecting a considerable portion of the population. The disease, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is exacerbated by low awareness and understanding. Globally, COPD was the third leading cause of death in 2019, accounting for 3.23 million deaths.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Syed Ajmal Syed Ali, a consultant physician specializing in respiratory medicine at Sunway Medical Centre, highlighted that low awareness is a major challenge in combatting COPD in Malaysia. He explained that the disease develops gradually over many years and is primarily driven by the high prevalence of smoking, with approximately 19 percent of Malaysian adults over 15 years old being smokers.
“Smoking is the main risk factor for COPD and is directly related to how much and how long you have smoked,” Dr. Syed Ajmal stated. He noted that symptoms of COPD, such as a persistent cough, are
often mistaken for a ‘normal’ smoker’s cough or asthma, leading to late diagnoses when symptoms worsen, typically in individuals over the age of 60.
Citing data from the Malaysia Adolescent Health Survey 2022, Dr. Syed Ajmal pointed out an increase in the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes among Malaysian teenagers aged 13 to 17, rising from 9.8 percent in 2017 to 14.9 percent in 2022. Meanwhile, the cigarette smoking rate in the same group decreased from 13.8 to 6.2 percent.
Dr. Syed Ajmal stressed that there is a misconception that COPD is solely a disease of old age, emphasizing that it can affect younger smokers and former smokers as well. He highlighted the importance of public education and awareness campaigns to encourage early diagnosis and better disease management.
While smoking is the most recognized cause of COPD, Dr. Syed Ajmal also identified environmental exposures, such as indoor air pollution from biomass fuels and occupational hazards, as potential contributors. He mentioned a genetic
component, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which could lead to early-onset COPD even in non-smokers.
Dr. Syed Ajmal emphasized that increased awareness and access to treatment can improve the lives of those affected by COPD. He urged both current and former smokers to get screened, as early intervention is crucial. Effective management includes smoking cessation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and pharmacological treatments, such as inhalers. Additionally, advanced treatments like bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with endobronchial valves are available for suitable candidates, offering significant improvements in breathing and quality of life.