VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Persahabatan Hospital in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Indonesia and Indonesian Pulmonary Doctor Association held the World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day 2019 in the Car Free Day area, Jakarta on Sunday (Dec15). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and limited respiratory airflow due to abnormalities in the airways. It was remarked by the Chief organizing committee of the COPD Day Budhi Antariksa on the sidelines of the COPD Commemoration in Jakarta on Sunday (Dec15). Budhi explained that COPD is caused among others by pollution and smoke.

"Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is commonly experienced by smokers and those who are exposed to pollution. The number of smokers in Indonesia is still high. COPD usually affects people at the age of 45 years and above, usually between 45 to 50 and above. The increasing life expectancy will also increase the risk of COPD. The third factor is that Jakarta is known to have high pollution. Pollution is one of the factors of COPD, said Budhi Antariksa.

Budi Antariksa further stated that with 3 million deaths each year, COPD is the fourth biggest cause of death. It is predicted to be the third biggest cause of death by 2020// (AHM)