Appearing on BBC Morning Live, Dr Punam Krishan delivered a crucial public health warning about a chronic and incurable lung condition that is frequently misdiagnosed or dismissed. The BBC doctor revealed that this week alone, two patients presented with what they believed was hay fever, only to discover they were experiencing complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The Hidden Epidemic of COPD
Dr Krishan explained that COPD is a progressive lung disease making breathing extremely difficult, with around 1.7 million people in the UK currently diagnosed. However, she stressed the actual number is likely "a lot higher" because symptoms develop slowly over many years, leading people to attribute them to ageing or general unfitness.
"People tend to dismiss them or put it off to maybe it's because I'm getting older. Maybe it's because I'm unfit," said Dr Krishan. "COPD tends to be diagnosed when you're like middle-aged or older adults, but it can affect anybody earlier as well."
Dangerous Misinformation and the Importance of Trusted Sources
Host Nick Knowles raised concerns about online cures claiming to resolve COPD in 7-14 days. Dr Krishan warned these adverts are "appealing" but potentially harmful, containing significant misinformation. She urged the public to always consult trusted medical sources like the NHS website, doctors, or pharmacists before trying any treatments.
"Unfortunately, when it comes to COPD, it is a progressive lung condition, which means it can worsen over time. So, sadly, there isn't a cure. Certainly, nothing over 7 to 14 days that's going to make a difference," she stated unequivocally.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Cough
Dr Krishan provided clear guidance on when a persistent cough warrants professional investigation. She advised that a new cough lasting four to six weeks should prompt a doctor's visit.
"If something is persisting beyond that time, it's not going away. You don't know why you've got it, so have a chat with your doctor because we can investigate that to look at the root cause, but don't just dismiss it," she emphasised. "Anything more than four weeks, a cough that you just don't know why it's there, get it looked at."
The Hay Fever Connection and Underlying Causes
The discussion turned to seasonal allergies, with Knowles asking if hay fever complicates COPD. Dr Krishan confirmed it does, noting that approximately a quarter of COPD patients are sensitive to pollen. She shared that her two recent patients came in believing their hay fever was worsening, when it was actually a COPD flare-up.
"We're loving spring - it's around the corner. But with that, of course, pollen counts rise and if you're sensitive to that, it can affect your breathing," she explained. Symptoms like increased coughing, phlegm production, and congestion during pollen season may indicate underlying COPD rather than just allergies.
Smoking remains one of the most common causes of COPD. The disease primarily involves two conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These cause lung inflammation, airway narrowing, scarring, and damage to the air sacs responsible for oxygen transfer into the bloodstream.
"The earlier you get it diagnosed, the better it is because there are lots of things that we can do to support the symptoms," Dr Krishan concluded, highlighting the importance of early intervention despite the lack of a cure.
