25% traffic cops have less than 80% lung efficiency

25% traffic cops have less than 80% lung efficiency 

JAIPUR. The rising pollution levels are left police persons short of breath. Of the 109 traffic policemen who underwent a spirometry test, 26 were detected with weak lungs. The tests on Thursday were held at the police control room by doctors from SMS hospital. 

"These cops have lung efficiency of less than 80%, this could be because of a respiratory disease or may be an early indication. However, precaution and treatment is a must for such patients," said Dr Virendra Singh, professor, department of medicine, SMS medical college. 

Spirometry test indicates the lung efficiency, even as the efficiency should be 100% in ideal conditions, those above 80% of the efficiency are considered healthy. Even as the test results are being further examined rising pollution levels are being considered as the major cause. 

According to doctors, nearly 6% of the general population above 40 years of age is suspected of asthma and other respiratory diseases due to unhealthy lifestyle and tobacco-smoking. However, the numbers of young patients with respiratory issues have also been rising over the past years. Rajasthan records more than 600 cases of complex respiratory issues each year as the disease or disorder often remains untreated for a long duration. 

As the trend continues to increase, the respiratory diseases are expected to be a major reason for patient mortality in the coming decades. The threat is even more for traffic policemen and other professionals spending much time in the busy traffic. The department has provided the field staff with air masks. However, many of the cops find it uncomfortable for everyday use. Despite the use of masks the probability of lung damage continues to prevail. 

Carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants emitted by vehicles remain a threat to the public health. The European Lung Foundation and European Respiratory Society observe October 14 as World Spirometry Day each year to generate public awareness about the issue. Hectic schedule, lack of rest and exposure to other forms of fumes can also increase the chances of lung infection. Confinement to air conditioned premises and dust are also among the major reasons for rising lung infection. 

As part of a nationwide Spirometry campaign 1,700 people of Pune, Chennai, Coimbatore, Kolkata, Jaipur and Kota underwent the test earlier this month. Research by Chest Research Foundation (CRF), Pune revealed that 6.4% of the people who underwent the test had obstruction in the airway, which usually occurs in cases of asthma and COPD. Among these only 24% of patients were aware that they have either asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The rest were diagnosed for the first time, 34% people had obstruction of the small airways on spirometry which is a strong indicator of early asthma and COPD. 


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