Actor Pedro Paulo Rangel, 74, was hospitalized on October 30 to treat pulmonary emphysema and remains hospitalized today. According to news on websites and TV programs, the actor has been battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) since 2002, and what caught attention is that he stated he quit smoking in 1988.
According to pulmonologist Jessica Polese, "COPD is a lung disease that makes it difficult to empty air from the lungs, and this difficulty causes the sensation of shortness of breath and fatigue," she states.
The actor was admitted to the ICU, was intubated, and his case is delicate. One of the updates is that the actor is experiencing changes in kidney function.
The case shows that even being a former smoker, the effects of years of smoking occur in patients who seek a healthy life. "The toxic gases from tobacco cause inflammation in the lungs that worsen over time. In addition, the former smoker also produces more secretion, that characteristic 'clearing of the throat' which is an increased mucus production," points out Jessica.
"COPD is a chronic disease and can be caused by smoking associated with pollutants and combustion gases in poorly ventilated environments, and even a genetic cause, associated with a deficiency in a protein that helps protect the lung, but this factor is rare," concludes the doctor.
Participe da conversa