Chronic Obstructive Lung Patients Are Vulnerable To Be Infected With Covid-19

KOMPAS.com – This period of the Covid-19 pandemic is a formidable challenge for everyone, especially sufferers Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PPOK).

As a person who already has a history of chronic lung disease, COPD sufferers are a high-risk group for Covid-19 infection.

Moreover, in general, COPD is experienced by many elderly people, so the risk of death is greater due to Covid-19.

“Indeed, people with COPD are advised to stay at home. Then they also have to apply 3M in their daily lives to prevent transmission of the virus.”

This was conveyed by a Lung Specialist who is a Consultant for Asthma and COPD at the Friendship Hospital, Dr. Budhi Antariksa, SpP (K), PhD, during a virtual press conference with Kalbe, Wednesday (11/18/2020).

“Chronic lung disease will automatically reduce body immunity. So, people with COPD should not travel for a while and stop smoking for smokers, “he continued.

Also read: Difficulty breathing, beware of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In addition, getting the flu vaccination can be an effort to protect yourself from flu viruses that can aggravate this chronic lung disease condition.

Although they both attack the lungs, Budhi explained that the symptoms of COPD and Covid-19 are of course different. COPD has simpler symptoms, namely shortness of breath and coughing up phlegm.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 is characterized by many symptoms, such as the onset of fever, muscle aches, digestive tract disorders and urination, and loss of smell and taste.

“So, besides staying at home and implementing health protocols, COPD sufferers must pay attention to nutritional intake and exercise to boost immunity,” he said.

Also read: Cough Is Not Always A Symptom of Covid-19, How Can You Tell It?

Meanwhile, sports that are recommended for COPD sufferers are exercises that can increase the breathing muscles in the chest, for example swimming, asthma exercises, or yoga.

This exercise focuses on moving the respiratory muscles so that they do not become smaller and make the lungs stronger without the help of oxygen aids.

– .