Early Diagnosis of COPD Saves Lives

Turkish Respiratory Society TÜSAD, on the occasion of World COPD Day, issued a statement reiterating the importance of early diagnosis in COPD, a widespread and fatal disease globally and in Turkey.

Prof. Dr. Onur Turan, Chair of the TÜSAD COPD Working Group, warned: "Individuals over 40 years of age who have smoked and are exposed to various gases and dust environmentally or occupationally should consult a chest disease specialist and undergo a Pulmonary Function Test if they have any of the symptoms of cough, shortness of breath or sputum."

World COPD Day is an awareness day established by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) to raise awareness about COPD globally, increase awareness related to COPD and discuss ways to reduce the COPD burden. Turkish Respiratory Research Society (TÜSAD), issuing a statement for World COPD Day announced on 20 November with the main theme "Know Your Lung Function," emphasized that COPD affects 50 million people worldwide and that 1 in every 5 adults over 40 years of age has this disease, warning: "Despite being such a prevalent disease, the public does not have sufficient knowledge about COPD. With a 'Pulmonary Function Test,' it is easy to determine whether a person has COPD and treatment can be initiated."

TOBACCO SMOKE AND HARMFUL GASES ARE RISK FACTORS

Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Onur Turan, Chair of the TÜSAD COPD Working Group, noting that COPD ranks third among the most important causes of death in Turkey, shared the following information: "Tobacco product use is widespread in our country, and tobacco smoke exposure is the greatest risk factor for COPD development. In addition to cigarettes, the use of tobacco products such as hookah and cigars, harmful dust, gases and air pollution also cause COPD in the lungs. Diseases experienced in childhood, low socioeconomic level or exposure to smoke from biomass fuels such as wood and dung are other risk factors."

EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS POSSIBLE WITH PULMONARY FUNCTION TEST

Turan, noting that only 25–50 percent of COPD patients worldwide receive a diagnosis, drew attention to the importance of "Pulmonary Function Tests" in diagnosis. Turan said the following on the subject: "Early diagnosis of COPD can reduce complications that may develop due to the disease and mortality rates. Diagnosis can be made with a simple 'Pulmonary Function Test.' For this reason, we recommend that individuals over 40 years of age who have smoked or are currently smoking, or those who are in dusty environments due to occupational or environmental conditions and have any of the complaints of cough, sputum and shortness of breath, consult a chest disease physician and undergo a 'pulmonary function test.' Measuring lung function is important because it can prompt action for early diagnosis and rapid treatment of multiple lung diseases, including COPD."

LET US WORK TOGETHER FOR COPD AWARENESS

Inviting relevant institutions, particularly physicians and healthcare workers, to work together to create sufficient knowledge and awareness regarding COPD, Turan concluded his statement as follows: "We call on all media organizations and individuals to support our efforts to inform and educate the public about COPD, an important public health issue."