Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects more than three million people in Spain, but up to 75% of cases remain undiagnosed. This pathology, which represents the third cause of death in the world, can be prevented and treated with an early diagnosis through simple tests such as spirometry, which are fundamental for improving the quality of life of patients and avoiding serious complications.
In Spain, the diagnosis of COPD, a disease that celebrates its World Day every third Wednesday of November, continues to be a challenge, with a high percentage of patients unaware of their condition.
This chronic disease is largely caused by smoking and the exposure to pollutants.
COPD seriously compromises breathing capacity, limiting the daily activities and quality of life of those who suffer from it.
Some of the symptoms could be shortness of breath, chronic cough, tiredness, anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, this pathology, although preventable and treatable, is closely related to other serious conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases.
In COPD patients, the risk of heart attack or heart failure can be multiplied by up to eight.
On the occasion of World COPD Day, the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) and the Spanish Society of General and Family Doctors (SEMG) join together, together with the actor Santi Rodríguez, to raise awareness about this deadly disease and the importance of spirometry as a diagnostic test.
Dr. David De la Rosa, president of SEPAR, explains that COPD is one of the least diagnosed respiratory diseases.
“Patients, on many occasions, are diagnosed at an advanced stage, even when they are asymptomatic, and we are faced with patients with a pathology which, if diagnosed correctly, could be controlled and in a mild stage. We must make simple, non-invasive tests such as spirometry available to all patients to facilitate early diagnosis,” says the expert.
Years without COPD diagnosis
The comedian Santi Rodríguez told in an interview how, by chance, he was diagnosed with mild COPD after years of checks by various specialists, who had never requested a spirometry.
The actor, who maintains an active and healthy life, highlights how lack of awareness This simple test prevents the disease from being detected in its early stages, when its control improves significantly.
“A simple test like spirometry can change your life. Early diagnosis not only improves the quality of life, but can also avoid future complications,” says Santi Rodriguez, who especially encourages smokers and ex-smokers to seek it.
spirometry
Spirometry, a non-invasive and accessible testit is essential for diagnosing COPD.
However, the use of this test is still limited in clinical practice.
This is partly due to the lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals and the general population about its importance.
Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has accentuated this problem, leaving the diagnosis and management of chronic respiratory diseases in the background.
The importance of prevention and education
Prevention, especially by reducing smoking and protecting yourself from environmental pollutants, is essential.
Likewise, it is essential to strengthen awareness campaigns aimed at both the public and healthcare professionals.
Furthermore, measures such as vaccination against covid, influenza and pneumococcus and the correct technique in the use of inhalers can significantly improve the prognosis and quality of life of patients.
Dr. Antonia Ocaña Padilla, member of the Respiratory Pathology Working Group of the Spanish Society of General and Family Doctors (SEMG), points out that reducing factors such as smoking and exposure to pollutants could reduce cases.
For people who already suffer from COPD, “Prevention of infections (which trigger exacerbations) is essential, as these worsen lung function, increase cardiovascular complications and increase mortality. Measures such as vaccination, the use of masks and hand washing prevent respiratory infections and therefore improve the quality of life of patients.”explains the specialist.
COPD affects all of us
From SEPARATE Yes SEMG An appeal is launched to institutions, healthcare workers and society in general to give priority to the fight against this disease.
They explain that increasing health education, facilitating access to spirometry and promoting healthy lifestyle habits are essential steps to reduce the impact of this disease.
As Santi Rodríguez reminds us: “With more prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, we can change people’s lives”.
Interview by Santi Rodríguez on COPD.
What are the main risk factors for developing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. David De la Rosa. Thank you for joining us today to discuss such an important topic—Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. Given that up to 75% of COPD cases in Spain remain undiagnosed, how alarming is this statistic?
Dr. De la Rosa (DDR): Good morning! It is indeed alarming. COPD is a silent killer, and the fact that the majority of cases go undiagnosed means that many people are living with a serious condition without realizing it. Early intervention is crucial for managing this disease effectively, which is why awareness is so important.
TNE: What are some of the common symptoms of COPD that individuals should look out for?
DDR: Patients typically experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, a chronic cough, tiredness, anxiety, and even depression. Many people attribute these signs to aging or lifestyle factors and fail to recognize them as potential indicators of COPD. This misconception further delays diagnosis and treatment.
TNE: You mentioned the importance of early diagnosis. Can you elaborate on the role of spirometry in this process? Why is it so critical?
DDR: Absolutely. Spirometry is a simple, non-invasive test that measures lung function. It is crucial for diagnosing COPD because it can detect changes in lung capacity before symptoms become severe. Unfortunately, spirometry is underutilized in clinical practice. Many healthcare providers are not aware of its significance, which contributes to the high rate of undiagnosed cases.
TNE: The article mentions a personal experience from actor Santi Rodríguez, who was diagnosed with mild COPD after years of consultations with specialists. What does this tell us about the broader issue?
DDR: Santi’s experience is a perfect example of the gaps in our healthcare system. When patients, especially those with risk factors like smoking, are not screened with spirometry, they can go years without a diagnosis. This highlights the critical need for healthcare professionals to adopt and advocate for spirometry as a standard practice.
TNE: Given the connection between COPD and other serious conditions like cardiovascular diseases, how does early diagnosis impact patients’ overall health?
DDR: Early diagnosis can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life and prevent complications like heart attacks and heart failure, which can be up to eight times more likely in COPD patients. With proper management, many individuals can maintain a good quality of life, reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
TNE: What steps can both the public and healthcare providers take to improve awareness and detection of COPD?
DDR: For the public, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of COPD and seek evaluation, particularly if they have a history of smoking or exposure to pollutants. For healthcare providers, ongoing education about the significance of spirometry and the risk factors for COPD is essential. We also encourage public health campaigns that focus on prevention strategies like smoking cessation and air quality improvement.
TNE: To wrap up our conversation, could you tell us why prevention and education are so critical in combating COPD?
DDR: Prevention is paramount because COPD is largely preventable. Reducing smoking rates and minimizing exposure to pollutants are central to this effort. Education empowers both patients and healthcare workers to recognize early signs, utilize diagnostic tools like spirometry, and implement effective management strategies. Ultimately, fostering a culture of awareness can lead to better health outcomes for individuals and the community.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. De la Rosa, for shedding light on such an important issue. Your insights will surely encourage many to take proactive steps for their lung health.
DDR: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss COPD. I hope we can create a greater understanding and encourage early diagnosis to save lives.