The World Health Organization’s report on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) indicates that Vietnam currently has the highest prevalence of COPD in the Asia-Pacific region, with a rate of 6.7% of the population.
According to the World Health Organization, COPD is the fourth leading cause of death, following coronary heart disease, cancer, and stroke. The mortality rate for COPD is higher than that of cancer and is comparable to HIV/AIDS. Each year, this disease claims the lives of more than 3 million people worldwide.
Key Facts About COPD
COPD is a condition characterized by irreversible airflow limitation in the lungs. Airflow is obstructed, leading to an increased amount of residual air in the lungs, which makes breathing difficult for patients. In COPD, the walls of the airways thicken and swell, narrowing the pathways and making it hard for air to enter the lungs; the alveoli are destroyed, which exacerbates air trapping and reduces gas exchange in the lungs.
Tobacco smoking is the primary cause of COPD and associated mortality (90% of patients are smokers). Studies show that smoking increases the risk of developing COPD by tenfold. Approximately 15% of smokers exhibit clinical symptoms of COPD. Additionally, dust, chemicals, and respiratory infections are risk factors for the disease.
A significant challenge in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of COPD is that it is often difficult to detect in its early stages. At this stage, patients typically experience symptoms such as fatigue, cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath during exertion. Patients often mistakenly believe these symptoms are a normal part of aging, leading them to delay seeking medical attention and treatment, resulting in most cases being diagnosed at an advanced stage.
In the later stages, the walls of the bronchi become fibrotic and scarred, the alveoli are destroyed, leading to airway obstruction and respiratory failure. Besides impacting health, mental well-being, and work capacity, patients may also face nutritional disorders, affecting sexual function, social interactions, physical activities, and travel.
The disease progresses over many years and ultimately leads to death following an exacerbation. Consequently, experts in the field often refer to COPD as the “Invisible Killer” or the “Silent Assassin.”
It is concerning that most people, including those in high-risk groups for COPD, are not fully aware of the disease and the importance of protecting their health and that of the community against this deadly condition.
In response to World COPD Day (November 16), Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim Vietnam, will host a seminar titled “Living Joyfully with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease!”. The event will take place from 8 AM to 12 PM on November 19, 2005, at the Tan Binh Cultural and Sports Center, 448 Hoang Van Thu, Ward 4, Tan Binh District. Admission is free.
Content: Free screening consultations to identify the risk of COPD, as well as information on treatment and methods to prevent disease progression.
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