COPD Health Professionals & Educators
Whether you are a healthcare professional, COPD educator or patient advocate, it is important to stay informed about COPD care, resources and support options.
The article presents findings from the BREATHE study, which assessed the distribution of COPD-related symptoms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The study involved a large cross-sectional survey in 11 countries, collecting data on respiratory symptoms, smoking habits, and potential ...COPD prevalence in adults aged 40 and older. Results showed that 14.3% of the surveyed population reported symptoms consistent with COPD, with variations across countries. Women reported symptoms more frequently than men, though diagnosed COPD was more common in men. The study highlighted smoking, including waterpipe use, as significant risk factors and called attention to underdiagnosed COPD in the region, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and better diagnostic practices.
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Asbestosis is a process of diffuse interstitial fibrosis of the lung due to exposure to asbestos dust. Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring minerals that are resistant to heat and corrosion; these include mineral fibers such as chrysotile, amosite, and crocidolite, among oth...ers. Chrysotile is by far the most common type of asbestos fiber produced in the world, and it accounts for virtually all commercial use of asbestos in the United States.
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The Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) was developed to measure the primary goals of asthma management as identified by international guidelines. All guidelines indicate that to achieve good control, treatment should minimise day- and night-time symptoms, activity limitation, airway narrowing and re...scue bronchodilator use and thus reduce the risk of life-threatening exacerbations and long-term morbidity. Three independent studies have provided evidence that the ACQ is valid for measuring asthma control and has strong measurement properties for use both in clinical practice and research. In addition, the smallest change in score that can be considered clinically important has been determined.
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The development of the Asthma Control Test (ACT), a short, simple, patient-based tool for identifying patients with poorly controlled asthma, was recently described in patients under the routine care of an asthma specialist.
We sought to evaluate the reliability and validity of the ACT in a longi...tudinal study of asthmatic patients new to the care of an asthma specialist.
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Adults and adolescents 12+ years. Asthma medication options: Adjust treatment up and down for individual patient needs
Research globally has shown that metered dose inhaler (MDI) technique is poor, with patient education and regular demonstration critical in maintaining correct use of inhalers. Patient information containing pictorial aids improves understanding of medicine usage; however, manufacturer leaflets illu...strating MDI use may not be easily understood by low-literacy asthma patients.
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Urbanisation has been associated with temporal and geographical differences in asthma prevalence in low-income and middle-income countries (lMics). however, little is known of the mechanisms by which urbanisation and asthma are associated, perhaps explained by the methodological approaches used to a...ssess the urbanisation-asthma relationship.
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ERS is made up of over 35,000 respiratory clinicians, scientists and allied healthcare professionals, spanning more than 160 countries worldwide. Members are central to the Society and actively participate in setting the agenda across all ERS activities. Members have access to and enjoy a comprehens...ive range of benefits.
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We work with health care professionals and public health officials around the globe to reduce asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality.
PATS and ERS
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The document provides step-by-step instructions for using a Flexhaler dry powder inhaler effectively. It emphasizes proper inhalation technique, including priming the device, loading a dose, and breathing correctly. It also advises users to rinse their mouth after use and highlights the importance o...f bringing medications to appointments for review by healthcare providers.
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The Pan African Thoracic Society is a major professional organization representing Lung Health in Africa. Africa carries a disproportionally high burden of respiratory morbidity and mortality relative to the population size.
Worldwide, around 2.3 billion people still cook using solid fuels (such as wood, crop waste, charcoal, coal and dung) and kerosene in open fires and inefficient stoves. Most of these people are poor and live in low- and middle-income countries. There is a large discrepancy in access to cleaner cooki...ng alternatives between urban and rural areas: in 2021, only 14% of people in urban areas relied on polluting fuels and technologies, compared with 49% of the global rural population.
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This document is the ninth in a series of Tobacco Knowledge Summaries and is prepared with the objective to summarize the current evidence on the association between tobacco use and asthma. This is also intended as an advocacy tool to widely include health care professionals, in particular pulmonolo...gists and respirologists, in the fight for tobacco control and prevention of tobacco related adverse health effects. This knowledge summary was prepared by World Health Organization in collaboration with the Forum of International Respiratory Societies, the Global Initiative for Asthma and The University of Tasmania.
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The uploaded document explores the Mediterranean diet and physical activity as effective strategies to prevent and manage non-communicable diseases (NCDs). It discusses the diet's nutritional components, such as olive oil, fruits, and vegetables, and their health benefits, including reduced risk of ...cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The paper also highlights the importance of regular physical activity for improving overall health, including its role in weight management, aging, and metabolic functions, while emphasizing a combined approach to achieve optimal health outcomes.
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The NCD Alliance website provides information and resources on preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes, and mental health conditions. The Alliance advocates for global health policies, supports countries i...n integrating NCD care into universal health coverage, and fosters collaboration among governments, civil society, and health organizations. Key sections include policy briefs, advocacy priorities, research reports, and campaigns aimed at reducing NCD-related health disparities and improving health outcomes worldwide. The site serves as a hub for NCD advocacy, awareness, and community engagement.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a collection of case studies titled "Stories from the Field," highlighting global efforts to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart, and lung diseases. These narratives showcase how various countries implement ...WHO's technical guidance to improve NCD outcomes through cost-effective and equitable interventions. The stories cover topics like integrating NCD care into primary health systems, enhancing cancer treatment accessibility, and supporting individuals with NCDs during health emergencies. By sharing these experiences, WHO aims to inspire and inform global health initiatives targeting NCDs.
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The report "Assessing National Capacity for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases" provides an overview of the capacities of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region to address noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) based on a 2019 survey. It evaluates the progress of 22 countries in ...areas such as governance, policy implementation, health infrastructure, data collection, and healthcare resources for NCD prevention. The report highlights achievements and gaps, emphasizing the need for strengthened health systems, surveillance, and cross-sectoral collaboration to meet the WHO's global NCD targets. The findings guide further actions to reduce the burden of NCDs in the region.
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The "Global mapping report on multisectoral actions to strengthen the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health conditions" by the WHO provides insights into how different countries are implementing multisectoral approaches to address NCDs and mental health issues. ...It highlights the importance of collaboration across sectors—such as health, education, finance, and urban planning—to tackle risk factors like tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and harmful alcohol use. The report categorizes actions into four pillars: governance, leadership, operational practices, and resources. It showcases examples from various countries and calls for improved multisectoral efforts to reduce the global burden of NCDs and enhance mental health outcomes.
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