More than 75% of COPD cases are undiagnosed, making it the fourth leading cause of death in the world.
75% of cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are not diagnosed.This circumstance is more common in women than in men, as emphasized on Tuesday by the head of the pulmonology department of the Quironsalud Cordoba Hospital, Dr. Luis Manuel Entrenas, who recalled that although tobacco is the main cause of diseasemay also affect non-smokers.
Dr. Entrenas explained on the occasion Celebrating World COPD Day this Wednesdaywhich in recent years cases increased by approximately 35%, and there are more and more cases of new patients who have not previously smoked, so “we have to reject the idea that this is a pathology present only in smokers.” It affects more than 300 million people in the world.being the fourth cause of death after cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as infectious diseases, causing three million deaths every year in the world.
The specialist insisted that Tobacco causes more than 90% of COPD cases, but it may also affect non-smokers, It is therefore important that “when respiratory symptoms occur, you always consult a specialist, who must carry out an investigation of each case in order to make an early diagnosis and apply individual treatment as soon as possible.”
Image of the lungs. / CORDOBA
The prevalence of COPD in Spain among people over 40 years of age is 12%.and increases with age, according to the Episcan II study, more common in men than women, although diagnosed later. It is necessary to draw attention to the harm caused by tobacco, as evidenced by the fact that about 40% of smokers develop this disease,” Dr. Entrenas emphasized.
Major risk factors include smoking, exposure to dust, chemicals and other pollutants in the workplace, exposure to air pollutants, genetic factors, sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy diet, among others.
Pulmonary function test
The specialist emphasized the importance early pulmonary function testing, which may include prevention of risk factors, early diagnosis of COPD and early treatment. COPD is a preventable and treatable disease that causes difficulty breathing, chronic cough and expectoration of sputum, and its incidence is expected to increase due to the aging of the world’s population and continued exposure to risk factors such as tobacco, first followed by exposure others are inhaled toxic particles and gases, as well as genetic factors.
Thus, numerous studies show that COPD is the result of a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors that occur throughout lifeand this important advance in the disease demonstrates the importance of considering lung health throughout human development into adulthood. Maintaining lung health is an integral part of future health and well-being, and, according to the doctor, “spirometry should be used as a marker of overall health at all stages of life, as it is important not only for diagnosing diseases.” respiratory, but also as an indicator of general health.”
Dr. Entrenas insisted that “we now know that there are many other factors besides smoking that can contribute to COPD, which can start early and affect young people.” In recent years, efforts to reduce the incidence of COPD have increased, including programs to stop smoking, control indoor and outdoor air pollution, and study risk factors in children.
COPD includes chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. There is currently no cure for this condition, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, “there are many things that can be done to ensure that patients can significantly improve their quality of life: the sooner the diagnosis is made and treatment started, the sooner the progression of deterioration can be stopped.” lung functions. There are many ways to actively live with this disease through pulmonary rehabilitation, physical activity, self-care and a healthy diet,” the doctor said. Anyway, Smokers should start having their lung function checked at age 35. Well, “we must insist that early diagnosis determines the future progression of the disease.”
Symptoms of COPD
The most common symptoms of COPD are difficulty breathing, frequent cough, breathing noises, chest tightness and fatigue. Quitting smoking will delay the progression of the disease and will also make treatment more effective as respiratory symptoms improve within a few weeks of quitting, Dr. Entrenas said. Other benefits of quitting smoking may include a reduced risk of heart disease, lung disease and cancer, decreased shortness of breath, reduced coughing, improved liver function, improved digestion and healthier air.