COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the most common chronic respiratory disease and the 3rd cause of death worldwide. Despite this, the majority of Poles are unaware of its existence, resulting in, among other things, inadequate diagnosis. It is estimated that in Poland about 2 million people suffer from COPD, but only about 600 000 are diagnosed and treated. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Today, it is important to speak out about COPD, because our lungs serve us throughout our lives. Lungs for life - is the watchword for this year's celebrations. So let's all take a deep breath to draw attention to the problem of COPD in Poland!
It's time to pay more attention to COPD! COPD is a global health challenge - the disease affects people from all countries and all social classes, but those who are excluded or at risk of poverty suffer far more. In Poland, the disease is diagnosed too late, underestimated and misunderstood. The situation of patients could be better - it is of great importance to increase public awareness of COPD and the importance of early diagnosis, lifestyle modification and implementation of individual treatment. It is also necessary to make the disease a health priority and to recognise the huge burden it entails.
Despite significant progress in the fight against many diseases of civilisation - including heart disease and cancer - morbidity and mortality due to COPD continues to rise. COPD is not only a serious health problem, but also a very significant organisational and financial burden on the health care system in Poland. Despite this, it has still not received the attention from policy-makers that should be expected given the scale of its prevalence, the health costs, including the respiratory disability to which it leads, and the outlays incurred by patients, the NHF and the Social Insurance Institution. says Professor Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko, Head of Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Warsaw
Underestimated exacerbations of the disease. A factor that accelerates the progression of COPD is the so-called exacerbations, which are sudden increases in respiratory symptoms. This is usually an increase in breathlessness, coughing, which goes beyond the natural, everyday variability. Another challenge is the lack of awareness of exacerbations among patients themselves, who underestimate the symptoms of exacerbations and rarely mention them to their treating physicians, which in turn results in suboptimal COPD treatment. Education about exacerbations and how to recognise them is therefore necessary.
In my medical practice, I encounter that patients perceive exacerbations as a natural part of their illness and therefore do not report such symptoms. Therefore, it is very important to communicate with the patient in an understandable way, making sure that everything is clear to them. Studies show that up to half of exacerbations are beyond the observation of doctors - points out Rafał Dobek, MD, from the 2nd Clinic of Pulmonary Diseases of the Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases in Warsaw
The problem is growing. The scale of the burden of COPD is now very significant and is closely linked to risk factors such as smoking and air pollution. According to European Respiratory Journal In 2050, more than 49 million people will have COPD, an increase of more than 30% on 2021 figures. In the near future, COPD will become a disease with a huge impact on the functioning of the healthcare system.
COPD needs to be put at the centre of population health activities, to give the disease attention commensurate with the personal and population burden it causes. We have been talking about COPD for years, but in fact still few people understand the disease. We have few public policies that also address COPD. This should change, as it will help to stem the rise in the incidence in the long term - Professor Joanna Chorostowska-Wynimko adds.
Optimal patient pathway. Experts emphasise that effective control of COPD is possible and requires the implementation of early diagnosis programmes, the selection of appropriate pharmacotherapy and support for patients to have the right perception of the disease and to make lifestyle changes.
Patients are strongly encouraged to quit smoking - if they have not already done so. It is also imperative to ensure an appropriate level of physical activity, appropriate of course to their state of health and ability. But let's not forget walking, light exercise. All of this is healthy for our lungs, and after all, we have lungs for life! - recalls Dr Rafał Dobek, MD.
COPD develops gradually, but can be detected earlier. Today, on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of World COPD Day, it is worth recalling that the priorities remain the same: early diagnosis, individualised treatment, education of the public, patients and their families - we have one lung for life!
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About chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
COPD is a common disease that can be prevented and effectively treated. It is characterised by a persistent, usually progressive limitation of airflow through the lower airways. It is caused by chronic inflammation in the airway mucosa due to smoking, inhalation of polluted air or exposure to dust and harmful chemicals. The result is a chronic cough with expectoration, reduced exercise tolerance and shortness of breath.
The course of COPD is worsened by exacerbations of the disease, defined as an acute incident characterised by an increase in respiratory symptoms beyond the usual daily variability. Exacerbations are often treated in hospital and their frequency increases as the disease progresses. Exacerbations worsen the condition of patients and are also seriously life-threatening. Incidents of this type may mean that existing treatment needs to be changed.