Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is now one of the fastest-growing lung health problems in India. It affects millions of people, yet most of them do not know they have the disease until serious lung damage has already taken place. Doctors across the country are warning that early diagnosis can save lives and prevent long-term disability. They now recommend that people above 45—especially smokers, passive smokers, and those exposed to pollution or biomass fuel—should undergo routine lung tests like spirometry to catch the disease early.
COPD is a long-term lung condition in which airflow becomes blocked. It is partially reversible, but if not treated at the right time, it can reduce a person’s ability to breathe comfortably and perform everyday activities. Because many symptoms develop gradually, people often ignore them. This delay leads to a late diagnosis, leaving patients with limited treatment options.
India has one of the highest burdens of COPD in the world. Estimates suggest that nearly 15 million people in the country are currently living with the disease. Out of these, around nine million are men and nearly six million are women. Doctors point out that these numbers may be even higher because many cases remain undetected.
One major reason for underdiagnosis is that early symptoms—such as long-lasting cough, breathlessness, or fatigue—are commonly mistaken for ageing, lack of fitness, pollution-related irritation, or simply “smoker’s cough.” People tend to seek medical help only when breathing becomes very difficult, or when daily activities start getting affected.
Another challenge is that India does not yet have clear or widespread screening guidelines for COPD. Unlike heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension, lung health checks are not commonly recommended during routine health visits. Many people, especially those without any symptoms, do not undergo tests until their condition becomes severe.
Doctors emphasise that COPD is more than just a lung disease—it affects the entire body. It can worsen other existing health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Since these conditions share common risk factors, undiagnosed COPD can make treatment of the other illnesses more complicated. For example, people with heart disease may feel breathless more often, and doctors may not realise that an underlying lung issue is contributing to the symptoms.
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Experts say early screening can make a huge difference in how COPD progresses. Detecting the disease in its initial stages allows for timely treatment, which can prevent long-term lung damage and reduce the frequency of flare-ups. It also lowers hospital visits, medical expenses, and the overall burden on the healthcare system.
According to Dr Divya Shree J, Consultant – Respiratory Medicine at Manipal Hospital, early detection is key to better patient outcomes. She explains that COPD should be screened in the same way as diabetes or heart disease because early identification allows doctors to start treatment before the lung damage becomes severe.
A simple test called spirometry is the most reliable way to diagnose COPD. This test measures how much air a person can breathe in and out, as well as how fast they can do so. The results help doctors understand the level of airflow blockage and plan the right treatment.
Other tests such as chest X-rays and CT scans can be used to check for physical changes in the lungs. These imaging tests are also useful in monitoring how the lungs respond to treatment over time.
Doctors say that people with risk factors should begin COPD screening at around 45 years of age. This includes:
Active smokers
Passive smokers
People with chronic cough or breathlessness
People living in highly polluted environments
Women exposed to biomass fuel smoke
Those with a history of repeated chest infections
COPD cannot be completely cured, but the symptoms and progression can be controlled with proper treatment. Early-stage COPD is much easier to manage, and patients can continue to lead active lives with the right guidance.
The first and most important step in managing COPD is quitting smoking. This significantly slows down lung damage and improves breathing. For people unable to quit on their own, doctors can offer counselling, nicotine replacement therapy, or medication.
Medicines such as inhaled bronchodilators help relax the airways, making it easier for patients to breathe. These inhalers also reduce flare-ups, which are sudden episodes of worsening symptoms. In more severe cases, inhaled steroids may be used to reduce lung inflammation.
Some patients benefit greatly from pulmonary rehabilitation, a specialised programme that includes breathing exercises, physical training, and education. Rehabilitation helps improve lung capacity, increases stamina, and reduces the feeling of breathlessness during daily activities.
Doctors also recommend regular monitoring for conditions like diabetes and heart disease, as these conditions can worsen COPD symptoms. Coordinated care can prevent complications that require long hospital stays.
With rising pollution levels, high smoking rates, and poor indoor air quality, COPD is becoming a major health challenge in India. Experts stress that lung health should be treated with the same seriousness as heart health. Routine lung check-ups, especially for high-risk groups, can help detect the disease early and prevent years of suffering.
Early screening after 45 can help millions of Indians avoid disability, breathe easier, and maintain a better quality of life. As doctors across the country point out, taking a simple spirometry test at the right age could be the difference between living freely and struggling for breath.
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