Respiratory Diseases Can Be Prevented

Respiratory Diseases Are Preventable President of the Respiratory Society (TÜSAD) Prof. Dr. Ülkü Yılmaz drew attention to the fact that respiratory diseases defined as the 'Big Five' are preventable. On the occasion of World Lung Day, Yılmaz recalled that 8 million people die from respiratory diseases every year worldwide, stating: "It is possible to reduce deaths and hospitalizations caused by lung diseases by combating all tobacco and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes." Türkiye Solunum Araştırmaları Derneği (TÜSAD) President Prof. Dr. Ülkü Yılmaz emphasized the importance of combating diseases defined as the "Big Five": "asthma, COPD, lung cancer, acute respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis." In a statement made on the occasion of World Lung Day on 25 September, whose theme was set as "Lung Health for All" by the International Forum of Respiratory Societies (FIRS) this year, Yılmaz said that according to World Health Organization data, 3 of the 10 diseases that cause the most deaths in the world originate from respiratory diseases. He shared current information on this subject. [caption id="attachment_144893" align="aligncenter"] TÜSAD President Prof Dr. Ülkü Yılmaz[/caption]

An average of 8 million people die annually

• In the 3rd Global Impact of Respiratory Diseases Report published by the International Forum of Respiratory Societies in 2021, the five major respiratory diseases including asthma, COPD, lung cancer, acute respiratory tract infections and tuberculosis are defined as the 'Big Five'. These diseases are among the most common causes of illness, disability and death worldwide. An average of 8 million people die annually from these diseases. • Lung cancer is the most lethal type of cancer among all cancers. 1.8 million people die from this disease every year. Pneumonia is among the leading acute causes of mortality worldwide. 2.5 million deaths were reported globally from this cause in 2019. COVID-19 has so far caused 6.3 million people to die. • Tuberculosis continues to be a major health problem. In 2020, 10 million people contracted tuberculosis, and 1.5 million people died from this disease. 3.2 million people die from COPD every year, making this disease the third leading cause of death worldwide. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in children worldwide, and it was reported that there were 262.4 million patients in 2019. • In low- and middle-income countries, the true burden of respiratory diseases is underestimated due to significant underreporting, lack of diagnostic tools and lack of access to care.

If tobacco and tobacco product use is prevented, air quality will also improve

In his statement, drawing attention to the negative effects of air pollution and tobacco and tobacco product use on the respiratory system, Yılmaz said the following: "According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, 90 percent of individuals breathe air that falls short of the required standards, particularly in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. Accordingly, 2.4 billion individuals are exposed to indoor air pollution, and 1.3 billion people are exposed to tobacco and tobacco product smoke. These figures demonstrate the severity of the situation. For this reason, effective preventive measures need to be taken worldwide to prevent tobacco and tobacco product use. Prevention of the use of all tobacco and tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, will improve air quality, reduce indoor air pollution, reduce poor working conditions, and lower hospital admissions and deaths related to pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases."

Strong health systems are of great importance

Noting that respiratory diseases create a wide spectrum ranging from acute diseases like pneumonia to chronic diseases like COPD, and that chronic respiratory diseases are mostly preventable and treatable, Yılmaz stated the following regarding preventive measures: "In 2017 worldwide, 544.9 million individuals had chronic respiratory disease. Many of these diseases are preventable. Strong health systems that can provide effective and efficient services throughout life in the prevention and management of acute and chronic respiratory diseases are of great importance. Furthermore, reducing exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution, and combating such issues are measures that must be taken to prevent such diseases, including lung cancer. Prevention and management of primary acute respiratory diseases is possible through the development of preventive strategies such as adequate nutrition, control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and immunization, and through effective treatment of pneumonia."

Health for all

Noting that adult and child immunization, cancer screening programs, COPD, asthma and tuberculosis programs were disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yılmaz concluded his remarks as follows: "Currently, work is being done on restructuring these processes. During this process, efforts to combat poverty, strengthening immunization programs, and effective vaccination programs should be the priority of the health system. As a result of all these efforts, the goal should be, as also stated in the common slogan of World Lung Day: 'health for all.'"