Understanding COPD through HealthPlix EMR

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains a significant public health challenge in India, with its prevalence steadily increasing. COPD is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by obstructed airflow, primarily caused by smoking, environmental pollutants, and genetic factors.

In India, the burden of COPD is exacerbated by high rates of tobacco use, exposure to indoor air pollution, and challenges in accessing timely and quality healthcare. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study of 2019 stated that of the total deaths attributable to air pollution, the largest proportion was due to COPD (32.5%)*. 

With World COPD Day (Nov 15) gone by, it is imperative to explore innovative solutions that can enhance the management and care of COPD patients in the country. HealthPlix EMR is one such platform that enables physicians to maintain comprehensive and updated patient records for COPD patients.

According to the EMR, approximately 87,000** patients presented with COPD from Jan 2023 to Oct 2023 Cough, shortness of breath, weakness, and fever were found to be the most reported complaints from the EMR data. The data also illustrated that the number of male patients was proportionately higher than the number of female patients and was predominantly within the age group of 60 – 80 years.

Respiratory bronchodilators were the most prescribed drug classes followed by anti-ulcerants and anti-histamines. The EMR data also revealed that most patients were advised to take hot liquids, steam, and gargle, to avoid cold and sour foods and to avoid dust and smoking.

There has been a dearth of evidence on the burden of COPD in the recent past in the Indian population above 30 years along with the associated risk factors. Thus, the integration of EMR into COPD management might help to gather comprehensive and real-time data collection, facilitating the identification of specific risk factors.

Physicians have been leveraging digital tools at the point of care such as EMRs, underscoring their commitment to improving the lives of COPD patients and addressing the challenges posed by this prevalent respiratory condition.

* India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative Air Pollution Collaborators. Health and economic impact of air pollution in the states of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Lancet Planet Health. 2021 Jan;5(1):e25-e38.

**Data from Jan’23 to Oct’23 was analyzed.

Note: HealthPlix maintains complete confidentiality of health records and adheres to applicable government guidelines. De-identified data was analyzed at a cumulative level.