November 17 is World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day. On this occasion, but also because November is Lung Health Month, the Romanian Society of Pneumology points out that COPD is currently the third leading cause of death globally.
This year’s theme, “Lung Health – More Important Than Ever” emphasizes that the COPD burden persists during the COVID pandemic and that there is no better time to focus on the health of our lungs.
Maintaining healthy lungs includes avoiding cigarettes, air pollution or occupational exposures, maintaining an active lifestyle, pneumococcal, influenza and anti-COVID vaccination, adhering to medical schedules and the correct administration of medications.
Over 300 million people worldwide suffer from this disease, and one million of them are Romanians. Unfortunately, more than half of people with COPD do not know that they are ill, because the early symptoms can be easily confused with the effects of excessive smoking or aging (cough, chronic sputum production, suffocation, fatigue).
“The pandemic created challenges to which we had to adapt as we went, and in this sense, the Romanian Society of Pneumology comes to the aid of Romanian patients by providing a site, www.casapneumologilor.ro, with access for both doctors and patients. At the same time, we have a GREEN TEL 021 9904, where patients can call to schedule appointments at Romanian pulmonologists. ” says Prof. Dr. Roxana Maria Nemeș, president of the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
“The main risk factor for COPD and lung cancer is smoking. The main unfortunate element is the late diagnosis of these diseases, due to the lack of specific symptoms. A person who has COPD and smokes a lot is 6 times more likely to get lung cancer. Heavy COPD patients should be evaluated regularly for early detection of lung cancer, which would increase the life expectancy of these patients. ” says Prof. Dr. Ruxandra Ulmeanu, President of the Lung Cancer Section of the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
“We are celebrating COPD Day for the second time in the blackened landscape of the COVID 19. pandemic. , exacerbation or bad prognosis. We are confident that over time we will be able to overcome all these barriers together and that this category of chronic patients will slowly return to that normal regime of consultations and healthcare that will cover the main deficiencies found in the past: underdiagnosis, early detection, low compliance with therapy.” says Prof. Dr. Florin Mihălțan, ex-president of the Somnology Section of the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
“Studies to date worldwide have shown that patients who smoke COPD, once infected with the CoV 2 sars virus, have developed more severe forms of the disease, with a longer hospital stay and a higher risk of death. Thus, the recommendation to quit smoking, which should never be omitted in the COPD patient, acquires a new dimension and extra weight during this period. ” says Dr. Monica Marc, primary pulmonologist, president of the Tobacco Section of the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
“COPD is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, being a complex lung disease, but also with manifestations throughout the body, especially in advanced stages of the disease. Early identification of this disease and the establishment of treatment from the earliest stages leads to a decrease in the rate of disease progression and an increase in the quality of life of patients. The benefits of the correct and continuous management of this pathology are also found at the economic and social level, and the exacerbations of COPD in particular, due to their complexity, represent a burden for the health systems. ” says Prof. Dr. Doina Todea, President of the Respiratory Physiology Section of the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
“COPD means more than a disease. It means lost years of life, premature death, functional disability. It means repeated hospitalizations and in severe forms to remain dependent on the oxygen concentrator. It means fighting for every breath of oxygen. Only by fighting together with the patients, but also with the decision-makers can we alleviate the burden of this disease. ” says Prof. Dr. Cristian Oancea, Secretary General of the Romanian Society of Pneumology.
Pulmonologists remind that spirometry remains the most important method of diagnosing and investigating lung function, recommended not only to people at risk, but also to all those who want to take care of their lung health.
Lung health and COPD: 8 steps to follow
- Don’t forget to move!
Many patients become more sedentary after a diagnosis of COPD. An active life increases the quality of life and decreases both hospitalizations and mortality.
- Don’t forget to take the treatment!
COPD patients must take their treatment correctly.
- Be careful with your diet!
Maintaining a normal body weight is important in patients with COPD. Nutritional supplementation in malnourished patients can cause weight gain and can improve.
- Don’t forget to check in regularly!
Keep in touch with your doctor and go periodically for an evaluation of your treatment.
- Get vaccinated!
Vaccinations can reduce serious illness and death from COPD, whether we are talking about COVID-19 or other respiratory infections. In addition, vaccinations have been shown to reduce exacerbations.
- Lung rehabilitation.
Pulmonary rehabilitation helps to improve the symptoms and quality of life, but also to maintain a physical and emotional involvement of patients in daily activities. In areas where lung rehabilitation programs are not available, patients may resort to walking or stationary cycling.
- Reduce exposure to toxic substances!
Tobacco smoke, indoor and outdoor air pollutants, and toxic substances are all risk factors for COPD.
- Try to reduce the risk of COVID!
COPD patients should be strict in taking measures to prevent COVID-19 infection. Social distance, wearing a face mask, hand washing and vaccination are extremely important.
The choice and declaration of November as “Lung Health Month” is not accidental, because it is also the Month of the Fight Against Lung Cancer, to which are added three other important dates: World Pneumonia Day (November 12), World COPD Day November 17) and the National Tobacco Free Day (November 18).
Sources:
https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/World-COPD-Day-Infographic.pdf
https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Newsletter-World-COPD-Day-2021_v2.pdf
https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GOLD-2021-POCKET-GUIDE-v2.0-14Dec20_WMV.pdf
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