#千万IP创科学普# 2024 World COPD Day Science Popularization: Understand your lung function!

theme

On November 20, 2024, the world will usher in the 23rd "World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day" (COPD Day), with the theme of " Know Your Lung Function ". This theme was initiated by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) to call on people to pay attention to the importance of lung function testing.

background

Each year GOLD selects a theme and coordinates the preparation and distribution of World COPD Day materials and resources. World COPD Day events are organized in each country by healthcare professionals, educators and the public who want to help make an impact locally and globally. The first World COPD Day was held in 2002. Each year organizers in more than 50 countries hold events, making this day one of the world's premier events for COPD awareness and education.

Understanding COPD

What is COPD?

COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a common, preventable and treatable chronic respiratory disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow in and out of lung tissue. Most patients suffer from lung damage caused by long-term exposure to toxic particles or gases (such as cigarette smoke, air pollution, etc.), with the main symptoms being chronic cough, sputum, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Currently, COPD is one of the leading causes of death in the world, with a high prevalence in the general population, particularly in low-resource countries. An estimated 3 million people die each year from COPD worldwide. This number is expected to rise due to the aging of the world's population and continued exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco smoke. Exposure to tobacco smoke and other inhaled toxic particles and gases is the main risk factor for COPD, although recent studies have shown that the development of COPD is the result of a combination of genetic and risky environmental factors that occur throughout the lifespan, starting in utero and continuing through infancy and adolescence.

Focus on lung function

World COPD Day is an annual global event organized by the Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD), a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS). The goal of World COPD Day is to increase global awareness of COPD and to introduce new knowledge and new treatment strategies. The 23rd World COPD Day will be held on November 20, 2024. This year's theme aims to highlight the importance of measuring lung function, also known as spirometry.

Lung function tests are not only an important tool for diagnosing COPD, but also a measure of health throughout life. Our lungs begin to develop in the womb and continue to grow into early adulthood. During this period, we are vulnerable to insults such as air pollution and respiratory infections, which can hinder lung development and increase our risk of chronic lung disease later in life.

Unfortunately, we may have lost a lot of lung function before we develop symptoms. Lung function is a predictor of not only lung health, but overall health. Even small decreases in lung function are associated with an increased risk of death from both respiratory and non-respiratory causes. Lung function measurements can provide the opportunity for early diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention through lung function measurements.

Initiatives to reduce the burden of COPD and promote lung health are underway around the world, including smoking cessation programs, combating indoor and outdoor air pollution, and examining childhood disadvantage. While there is currently no medication to cure COPD, actions to prevent disease and improve quality of life can be taken anywhere by a variety of individuals in many types of contexts. Employers can work to create safe breathing environments, citizens can become stewards of clean air, and patients and families can help advocate for more research and better care, including primary care, medications, routine lung function screenings, and other treatments such as telehealth visits for patients in remote areas. In addition, providers and policymakers can work together to improve access to lung function testing and advocate for its use as a general health indicator at all stages of life, which is important not only for the diagnosis of respiratory disease but also as a general health indicator.

Protect your lung health

1. Regular pulmonary function tests: It is recommended that high-risk people over 35 years old undergo pulmonary function tests every year to detect changes in lung function early.

2. Quit smoking: Whether or not you have COPD symptoms, quitting smoking is the most effective way to protect your lung health.

3. Reduce pollution exposure: Reduce exposure to air pollution, dust and harmful gases, and try to live in an environment with good air quality.

4. Moderate exercise: Low-intensity aerobic exercise (such as walking and swimming) helps to enhance cardiopulmonary function while improving the body's overall endurance and strength.

5. Vaccinations: COPD patients and high-risk groups should especially consider influenza and pneumonia vaccinations to prevent infections that worsen lung disease.