COPD – a disease that affects approximately 2 million Poles, interview with Dr. Joanna Mazurek, a specialist in internal medicine, lung diseases and allergology.
On November 18, we will celebrate World COPD Day. The following slogans appeared on the websites: WORLD COPD DAY. What do these mysterious abbreviations mean?
COPD is the abbreviation for the full name of chronic respiratory disease – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In English-language studies it appears under the acronym COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Who is the initiator of this campaign and why is it important for information about COPD to reach the widest possible audience?
This year, for the 19th time, the Global Initiative for ChronicObstructiveLungDisease (GOLD), with the participation of experts and patient organizations, wishes to highlight this serious health problem, COPD. The purpose of the day’s e-conferences, webinars, disseminated materials, conversations with scientists, doctors and patients is to raise awareness about this chronic respiratory disease, its causes, treatment and prevention. It is worth noting that this year, people from over 50 countries are involved in the educational campaign. The motto of this year’s day is “A good life with COPD for everyone, everywhere”. Epidemiological data indicate that the number of patients in the world may even reach over 380 million, in Poland over 2 million. It has also been noticed that the number of cases is constantly growing. If undiagnosed and untreated, the disease can be severe and adverse. The reasons for this prevalence of COPD can be found in the ignorance of the risk factors for this disease, as well as the lack of basic information on how to prevent it, how to recognize the first symptoms and when to undergo treatment.
So do we know what is the cause of this disease?
Smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products significantly increases the risk of developing COPD. 80% of patients diagnosed with COPD report smoking or smoking. It turns out that the duration and intensity of smoking are related to the development of other lung diseases, such as spontaneous pulmonary fibrosis, lung cancer, and numerous cardiovascular diseases. Note that these diseases may coexist with COPD. Therefore, the basic recommendations for the management of COPD, regardless of the stage of the disease, mention the need to stop smoking. An important benefit of such an intervention is the extension of life and improvement in lung ventilation, confirmed in studies. It’s good to know that COPD can also develop in a non-smoker, especially if he or she has been passively exposed to tobacco smoke or chemical air pollution in the workplace in the past. Other risk factors include: smog, genetic disorders, abnormal lung development, frequent infections in childhood, congenital or acquired immunity disorders, and other chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and tuberculosis. The essence of COPD is the restriction of airflow through the airways resulting from the narrowing of the airways. The mechanism of this phenomenon is complex.
What symptoms should tell you about COPD and what should be done?
Decreased exercise tolerance, chronic cough and shortness of breath in a current or past cigarette smoker should cause anxiety. In such a situation, medical advice should be sought. A primary care physician or specialist will recommend appropriate diagnostic tests, and in the event of a diagnosis of COPD, they will determine the optimal treatment regimen. The progress of medicine over the decades means that we have many drugs and modern inhalation systems that have significantly changed the course of the disease, reducing its symptoms and improving the quality of life.
How is COPD treated?
The modern approach to treating COPD includes both pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacological management. Both forms of treatment are very important and complement each other. Among the non-pharmacological ways of coping with the disease, smoking cessation, psychological support, rehabilitation and education should be mentioned. It is education that is served by the extensive information campaign on World COPD Day. It should be continued throughout the year through individual training of patients in the doctor’s office, access to properly prepared materials containing important tips on the prevention and management of this disease. It is worth mentioning here the website breatajmy.pl, which fits perfectly into the role of an educator. The information contained therein broadens the knowledge of patients and all interested persons about the causes, diagnostic possibilities and types of therapy. Experts watch over the credibility and validity of the data posted on the website. There you can also find information on, among others: diet, types of physical activity, recommended vaccinations, methods of inhaling drugs and handling inhalation devices. If necessary, you can supplement the knowledge by referring to the source materials provided there.
Literature:
https://goldcopd.org/world-copd-day/ (12.11.2020)
https://goldcopd.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/GOLD-2020-REPORT-ver1.0wms.pdf (12.11.2020)
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