Considering the current high prevalence of smokers, it is important to disseminate information on the dangers of smoking and to raise public awareness of these diseases.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Health Ministry has informed that the habit of smoking among several Indonesians has resulted in 9.2 million contracting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the 2013 Basic Health Research data.

"Investment on people is hindered due to children in the age of 10 to 18 years being exposed to cigarettes that makes it our collective duty to prevent it," Health Vice Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono said here on Friday.

Harbuwono cited the ministry's health research data that some 33.8 percent of Indonesians are smokers.

From this high figure, male smokers constitute the biggest chunk, at 63 percent.

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In addition, the prevalence of smoking among teenagers in the age group of 10 to 18 years increased significantly, specifically rising, from 7.2 percent to 9.1 percent in 2018.

Harbuwono explained that COPD is not communicable but treatable. Thus, the focus lies in preventing the symptoms or lung function for worsening.

COPD also arises from a strong correlation between significant exposure to dangerous particles or gases and the increasing primary response of the respiratory tract and lung tissue, he noted.

Examples of these dangerous particles include cigarette smoke, workplace chemical pollution, and kitchen smoke.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the vulnerability of the people to ail from diseases, such as chronic pulmonary diseases, since the SARS-CoV-2 virus attacks the respiratory system, he remarked.

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"Considering the current high prevalence of smokers, it is important to disseminate information on the dangers of smoking and to raise public awareness of these diseases," Harbuwono affirmed.

Cardiovascular expert Dr Arto Yuwono Soeroto explained that COPD caused persistent respiratory symptoms, such as cough with phlegm and obstructed breathing.

However, these persistent and progressive symptoms are caused by damage to the alveoli in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

"Such damage is caused by exposure to dangerous gases or particles, such as due to smoking and pollution," Soeroto added.


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Translator: Hreeloita S, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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