Avoid handshakes, use of deodorants during flu season, says pulmonologist

Coimbatore: “Avoiding handshakes, deodorants and ensuring your bathrooms and kitchens have a fully functional vent are a few ways to maintain good lung health during the flu season,” advised pulmonologist Dr P L Ramanathan.

Speaking at the launch of a lung screening programme at PSG Hospitals, Ramanathan said chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) is the second largest cause of death in the country. “The main causes of the disorder are smoking, chronic lung infection, and occupational exposure to dust and smoke. People who are exposed to passive smoking often ignore mild symptoms of COPD. But if they are noticed in early stage, the disorder can be controlled,” said the doctor. “The same concept works for lung cancer too. If it is diagnosed in the first stage, it can be cured easily. Lung cancer can be diagnosed at early stage through a low dose CT scan,” he said.

On the importance of preventing frequent lung infections, he said it was important for everyone to get vaccinated. “People who frequent public places should get vaccinated against the flu before the season sets in, as the virus mutates every year,” said Ramanathan. “People should consciously avoid shaking other people’s hands, and should close their mouth while coughing,” he said. “Reducing use of deodorants and also having a vent in kitchen and bathrooms, decrease smoke inhaled by a person indoors,” he added.

Speaking about people who need to undergo a lung screening test periodically, Ramanathan said people who were exposed to smoke regularly in places like foundries, factories, working on road projects, living on the highways, even in crowded streets or exposed to passive smoking should undergo a lung screening test.

A few hospitals in the city have introduced a master lung check-up to specifically identify lung cancer and lung disease at early stage.


Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.