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].

Core Insights - Lung nodules have become common in health check reports, with most being benign, but regular follow-ups are essential based on nodule characteristics [1][2] Group 1: Lung Nodule Management - 95% of lung nodules are benign, with only 5% having the potential for malignancy [2] - Recommendations for follow-up include: - Ground-glass nodules under 5mm should be reviewed every six months - Nodules between 5mm and 1cm should be followed up every three months - Mixed nodules under 8mm should follow a 3-6-12 month follow-up schedule, while those over 8mm may require intervention [2] - Solid nodules require comprehensive evaluation based on size and edge characteristics, with anti-inflammatory treatment potentially ruling out malignancy if nodules shrink [2] Group 2: Lung Cancer Risk Factors - Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality rates among all malignancies in China, with primary risk factors including smoking, occupational exposure, and chronic lung diseases [3] - Smoking significantly increases cancer risk, with smokers having a 4-10 times higher mortality rate compared to non-smokers [3] - Passive smoking and occupational exposures, such as asbestos and air pollution, also contribute to increased risk [3] Group 3: Lung Cancer Treatment Approaches - The pathological classification of lung cancer determines treatment strategies, with small cell lung cancer (15% of cases) being highly malignant but treatable with combined therapies extending median survival from 18 months to 55.9 months [4] - Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has become a first-line treatment for extensive small cell lung cancer, achieving an objective response rate of 60%-70% [4] - Despite advancements in targeted and immunotherapy, chemotherapy remains a crucial treatment method, with modern regimens improving management of side effects [4]