COPD is 10th Leading Cause of Death in Singapore

According to the Ministry of Health, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the 10th leading cause of death in Singapore. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a respiratory disease that can limit airflow in the lungs and cause breathing difficulties.

COPD is an umbrella term that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, said Adjunct Assistant Professor Tan Tze Lee, a family physician at The Edinburgh Clinic and president of the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Association of Singapore.

Mr Hanafi Mohammad Noor, 64, suffers from the disease and he complains that doing even simple household chores leaves him breathless. Mr Hanafi used to work as an interior designer, who worked on projects around the world. Unfortunately, due to his illness, he cannot work.

Mr Hanafi was diagnosed with COPD in 2002, however, he had been experiencing shortness of breath long before his diagnosis.

Read Mr Hanafi’s full story from Asia One here.