朝“问”健康丨超一半病人发现即中晚期 警惕“沉默杀手”→

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of World Respiratory Day on June 15 aims to raise awareness about respiratory health and advocate for environmental protection. Chronic respiratory diseases, particularly Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), are increasingly prevalent due to factors such as smoking and air pollution, making COPD the fourth leading cause of death globally [1][2]. Group 1: Prevalence and Diagnosis - COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, primarily associated with significant exposure to harmful gases or particles, requiring lung function tests for diagnosis [2][6]. - The prevalence of COPD among individuals aged 40 and above in China has reached 13.7%, with one in four individuals over 60 years old affected [2][3]. - Nearly 100 million people in China are currently suffering from COPD, highlighting a high prevalence and low awareness among patients [3][4]. Group 2: Symptoms and Early Detection - Early symptoms of COPD, such as chronic cough, sputum production, and shortness of breath during activities, are often overlooked, leading to late-stage diagnosis when lung function is significantly impaired [4][6]. - Experts recommend that individuals aged 40 and above or those at high risk for chronic respiratory diseases should undergo annual lung function tests, as this is considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing COPD [6][12]. Group 3: Risk Factors and Prevention - COPD is not solely an "elderly disease"; younger individuals are increasingly being diagnosed, with smoking being the most significant environmental risk factor. Other risk factors include low birth weight, recurrent respiratory infections in childhood, and family history [7][9]. - Preventive measures include quitting smoking (including e-cigarettes), reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, minimizing air pollution exposure, wearing masks on smoggy days, and engaging in physical activities to improve lung capacity [12][11]. Group 4: Misconceptions and Management - There are misconceptions regarding COPD, such as the belief that it is an incurable disease. However, with proper management and treatment, patients can effectively control their condition, slow down lung function decline, and improve their quality of life [16][18]. - Patients are advised against stopping medication when symptoms improve, as this can lead to worsening health outcomes. Regular physical activity is encouraged, as long as it is within the patient's capacity, to prevent muscle atrophy and maintain overall health [13][18].