A group of 20 health professionals has prepared a document that proposes a National Plan against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects almost three million people in Spain, and has requested the commitment of the Government and the autonomous health systems to carry out
A group of 20 health professionals has prepared a document that proposes a National Plan against chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which affects almost three million people in Spain, and has requested the commitment of the Government and the autonomous health systems to carry out
Three out of four patients with COPD do not know they suffer from it and, therefore, do not receive treatment, says the document when analyzing the underdiagnosis of this disease, one of its great problems.
Although tobacco continues to be the main environmental risk factor, it is added, about 30 percent of patients have never smoked, which makes it necessary to look for other environmental and / or genetic causes of COPD.
COPD is a consequence of smoking, but it is not the only cause.
Letter to the Minister of Health
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Health, Carolina Darias, it is highlighted that despite the campaigns carried out against smoking and exposure to other fumes, national studies show very little impact on reducing the incidence of this respiratory disease.
The promoters of this document request in the letter to the Government and Public Administrations their commitment against this disease.
“We need the State to believe it and be aware that COPD is a very big, progressive problem, for which resources must be provided. You need the commitment of the Government, Parliament, or both ”, has demanded Dr. Alvar Agustí, for whom the ultimate goal is to eradicate COPD.
Dr. Julio Ancochea has pointed out that the first objective is to reduce the incidence of COPD, and for this he proposes performing spirometry from youth, in schools and universities, and in the workplace.
Also “move from words to facts” and create a Scientific Committee with medical societies and patients, and another institutional, the Government and the CCAA to work together “without fighting”, defends Ancochea.
