Understanding the dire need for lung health awareness, Alkem Laboratories Ltd. has pledged to spread awareness through its initiative “The Healthy Lungs”.

The Healthy Lungs portal is a one-stop knowledge repository to consume knowledge about lung diseases. The portal also acts as an experience-sharing platform for patients with access to the patient community. Under this initiative, the patients also get access to virtual educators, on-ground camps, and doctor talks to learn about diseases and accurate inhaler techniques.

World Lung Day (WLD) – September 25 is a gentle reminder for everyone to take good care of their lungs. Though lungs do not have the celebrity status as the heart, they are one of the most important and delicate organs of the human body.

Exposure to multiple irritants such as dust, chemicals, and smoke, make them susceptible to diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Respiratory diseases are the second most common cause of death after heart disease.

The global burden of disease (GBD) report highlighted COPD is the second leading cause of death and disability in India. Out of the chronic respiratory disease burden in India, COPD accounts for over 50% of the disease burden and 70% of the years of life lived with disability.

Crude estimates suggest that India is home to over 55 million COPD patients and 38 million asthma patients. Off late, inhalers have evolved as the most efficient mode of drug delivery for lung disease patients. However, only 10% of patients receive inhalers. Out of this 10%, only 30% of patients take the medicine accurately. For accurate delivery of medicine through inhalers, patients must have access to its right knowledge and technique.

Alkem Laboratories spokesperson said, “Alkem has always been at the forefront of spreading accurate knowledge and delivering high-quality patient care for best patient outcomes and The Healthy Lungs is another initiative in the same direction.”