BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) is encouraging individuals with persistent respiratory symptoms to go for early checkup to detect and prevent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a growing lung problem in the country.
Dr. Dexter Feliciano, Medical Officer II of BGHMC, emphasized the critical role of early consultation in managing COPD as the Philippines leads the Asia Pacific region in the prevalence of the disease.
Feliciano explained that COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes narrowing of airways and damage to lung tissues, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum production, and wheezing.
It often develops gradually over several years and is mainly caused by prolonged exposure to harmful substances like cigarette smoke and polluted air, he said.
The disease also takes a heavy financial toll. An untreated patient spends an average of P28,000 annually and with lost daily income, a burden for minimum wage earners, he said.
According to Feliciano, the 2025 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease estimates that 10.3 percent of the global population suffer from COPD, making it the third leading cause of death worldwide–often due to complications like heart attack and stroke.
In the Philippines, 20.8 percent of the population was affected by COPD as of 2019. This was significantly higher than in neighboring countries like Japan and South Korea.
Feliciano identified smoking as the primary cause of COPD, noting that a single cigarette contains over 7,000 harmful chemicals that damage the lungs.
Additional causes include long-term exposure to biomass smoke, occupational hazards such as dust and chemical fumes, and urban air pollution. A rare genetic factor called Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency may also increase susceptibility.
He advised individuals with history of smoking, occupational exposure, or recurring lung problems especially those with progressive shortness of breath or persistent cough, to seek medical attention immediately.
Diagnosis is done through a pulmonary function test which is available at BGHMC and other major hospitals.
Treatment includes personalized medications such as inhalers, nebulizers, and oral tablets, supplemented by non-drug interventions including smoking cessation programs at BGHMC, pulmonary rehabilitation, and regular vaccination against respiratory infections like pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
Feliciano urged individuals with persistent respiratory symptoms to seek medical advice promptly and advised smokers to avail themselves of cessation support to reduce COPD risks.
The BGHMC pulmonary clinic is open every Tuesday and Thursday for patients requiring lung health evaluation and care, he announced. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
