Though the prevalence of asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) has increased in recent times, a renowned pulmonologist from Austria said that the diseases could be controlled if diagnosed early.

Addressing a symposium in Coimbatore on lung care, Dr. Norbert Vetter from Otto-Wagner Hospital at Vienna in Austria, stressed upon the importance of Lung Function Test. Asthma and COPD initially exhibit similar symptoms, but there were subtle differences between them, like the inflammatory types. Various drug combinations, with steroids, were being administered to the patients suffering from either asthma or COPD.

About the increasing prevalence of asthma among children, he said that it could be due to factors such as genetic disposition, early birth and viral infection. But he said that early diagnosis was the sure way to get cured. On treating sleep apnea (pauses between breathing), Dr. Vetter said that factors like the intervals or pauses between breathing, drowsiness, general tiredness and early morning tiredness should be taken into account.

Dr. G. Bhakthavatsalam, Chairman of KG Hospital, presided over the function. He said that healthy lungs were required to lead a healthy life and therefore, pulmonology, which deals with lungs and their ailments, has become a sub-specialty in health care. Lungs can hold up to six litres of air, but in normal course of the day, hardly 500 ml of air comes in and out of the lungs, he said.