Respiratory
Asthma
Asthma is a heterogeneous disease, generally characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways. It is defined by a history of respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough that vary over time and in intensity, together with a variable limitation of expiratory flow1.
Asthma is a global health problem affecting all age groups, affecting approximately 300 million individuals worldwide2. In Portugal, asthma affects around 700 thousand Portuguese people (6.8% of the population) and around 175 thousand children and adolescents (8.4% of children)3.
Although asthma is a common and potentially serious chronic disease, it can be effectively treated and most patients are able to achieve good control of their asthma. When asthma is well controlled, patients can:
- Avoid bothersome daytime and nighttime symptoms;
- Need little or no relief medication;
- Lead productive and physically active lives;
- Have normal or almost normal lung function;
- Avoid serious asthma exacerbations (attacks).
In Portugal, however, it is estimated that around half of asthmatic patients do not have their asthma controlled (51% of children and 43% of the general population). Additionally, among patients with uncontrolled asthma, 9 out of 10 have a wrong perception about the control status of their disease, which makes it difficult to seek better treatment. On the other hand, inadequate adherence to regular and continuous asthma treatment, as well as incorrect use of inhalation devices, contribute to the difficulty in controlling the disease.3.
Referencies:
1. Global Initiative for Asthma. Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, 2020. Disponível em: ginasthma.org
2. Global Initiative for Asthma. Asthma Management and Prevention for adults and children older than 5 years. A pocket guide for health professionals, updated 2020. Disponível em: ginasthma.org
3. Sociedade Portuguesa de Alergologia e Imunologia Clínica. O Dia Mundial da Asma 2019 terá como tema “Stop para a asma”. Disponível em: https://www.spaic.pt/noticias/dmasma2019
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease, which is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and/or alveolar changes, generally caused by significant exposure to harmful particles or gases. . The most common respiratory symptoms include dyspnea, cough and/or sputum production; however, these symptoms may be underreported by patients1.
The main risk factor for COPD is smoking, although other types of environmental exposure (such as air pollution) may also contribute1.
COPD is one of the three main causes of death worldwide, as well as a very relevant cause of chronic morbidity, especially due to its association with significant concomitant chronic diseases1.
The destruction of the surfaces responsible for gas exchange in the lung (alveoli), one of several structural changes present in patients with COPD, is called “emphysema” (pathological concept), while the clinical concept “chronic bronchitis” corresponds to the presence of cough and sputum for at least 3 months in each of two consecutive years1.
The prevalence of COPD in Portugal is estimated at between 5.34% (35-69 years of age and 14.2% (age ≥ 40 years). However, data from a recent study carried out in Portugal point to an underdiagnosis of COPD COPD and/or a potential low adherence to therapy among diagnosed patients, given that the prevalence of the Portuguese population undergoing treatment for COPD was calculated at just 1.89%2.
References:
1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Global Strategy for the Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, 2021. Disponível em: goldcopd.org
2. Fundação Portuguesa do Pulmão. DPOC em Portugal – prevalência de tratamento. Disponível em: https://www.fundacaoportuguesadopulmao.org/publicacoes/conteudos/dpoc-em-portugal-prevalencia-de-tratamento/
