Core Insights - The article highlights that Binzhou Medical College Affiliated Hospital has been recognized as an "Excellent Unit" in the "Whole Hospital Lung Function Construction Center" evaluation, standing out among over 300 participating hospitals nationwide [1][2] - The initiative aims to enhance the early diagnosis and treatment capabilities for chronic respiratory diseases, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in alignment with the "Healthy China" strategy [1] Group 1: Recognition and Achievements - Binzhou Medical College Affiliated Hospital was awarded as one of the 28 excellent units in the national evaluation, indicating its advanced capabilities in lung function management [1] - The hospital's lung function department has established a comprehensive quality control system and chronic disease management processes since its inception in 1995 [2] Group 2: Clinical Applications and Innovations - The lung function department applies lung function tests across various clinical scenarios, including COPD, asthma, and preoperative assessments, significantly improving diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes [2] - The department conducts a wide range of tests, such as bronchial dilation tests and FeNO testing, achieving leading standards in both test variety and quality control in China [2] Group 3: Future Directions - The recognition as an excellent unit signifies the hospital's commitment to further enhancing its internal construction and optimizing the management model for lung function checks [2] - The respiratory and critical care medicine department plans to leverage its status to foster regional healthcare improvements through technical support, talent development, and academic exchanges [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing prevalence of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) during the heating season, emphasizing the importance of awareness and early diagnosis of this "silent killer" [1][2]. Group 1: Disease Overview - COPD is characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and sputum production, resulting from airway abnormalities or lung damage leading to persistent airflow obstruction [2]. - High-risk factors for COPD include long-term smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, occupational dust, and the use of biomass fuels for heating or cooking in poorly ventilated areas [2]. Group 2: Diagnosis and Monitoring - Lung function tests are the gold standard for diagnosing COPD, as early-stage patients may not exhibit significant discomfort, and simple chest X-rays are often insufficient [3]. - Regular lung function tests are crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment response, with recommendations for annual checks for mild to moderate cases and biannual checks for severe cases [4]. Group 3: Treatment Approaches - Treatment primarily involves medication and, in some cases, surgery, with inhalation therapy being the most basic treatment method [4]. - The use of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids is emphasized, with a focus on the importance of adherence to medication even when symptoms are not present [6]. Group 4: Comorbidities and Management - There is a significant overlap between COPD and cardiovascular diseases, with 50% of COPD patients also suffering from heart conditions [5]. - Integrated management approaches, such as joint clinics for heart and lung health, are being established to provide comprehensive care for patients [6]. Group 5: Common Misconceptions - Misconceptions about COPD include the belief that medication is unnecessary when symptoms are absent, that patients should avoid exercise, and that inhaled corticosteroids should be avoided due to fear of side effects [6].

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].