Kochi, November 21, 2018: Aster Medcity Pulmonology Department organised a free Lung disease awareness programme and medical camp today to mark the World COPD Day. Film Actor Tovino Thomas inaugurated the programmes at Ernakulam Town Hall
The Medical Camp also featured the first Oxygen Bar in the State. Oxygen Bar is a facility which provides pure oxygen for some time to the people who live in polluted environment
A special clinic was also organised at the camp to help people to quit smoking. Expert doctors from Aster Medcity provided guidelines to those who wish to quit smoking.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung problem with blockage in the air tubes which carry air in and out of the lungs. The air tubes become narrower and the amount of air that can go in reduces. This reduces oxygen in the blood which results in slowdown of functioning of organs.
COPD patients become relaxed if they are given small quantity of oxygen and this improves functioning of organs. It will also increase their confidence in day to day activities. Oxygen should be given in correct dosages just as medicines.
The first anniversary of Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme by Aster Pulmonology department was also celebrated along with this medical camp. The programme employs minor breathing exercises besides medicines to manage the disease. More than 50 patients have been brought back to normal life under the programme so far.
Functioning of CPAP- a small instrument used to treat the disease called Sleep Apnea (stoppage of breathing while snoring), usage of Nebulizer and Inhaler was also explained in the camp. A painting completion for nursing students was also conducted.
