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The World Health Organization's fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Coronavirus disease 2019 has a mild disease course in children and adolescents. Chronic respiratory conditions, including asthma, have been suggested as risk factors; however, asthma in children is highly variable in both triggers and severity.
During the pandemic, pediatric asthma services limite...d consultations and established virtual clinics. However, respondents perceived their patients’ asthma control to be retained or even improved, while treatment adherence was considered increased. Children with asthma were not disproportionately affected by coronavirus disease 2019.
Trigger avoidance and treatment adherence can rapidly improve asthma control in children, even under lockdown pressure. Children/adolescents with asthma do not appear to need additional prophylactic measures from coronavirus disease 2019 when asthma is well-treated. This article analyses the effect of COVID-19 on Asthma in children, providing information for management guidelines.
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South Africa’s mineral resources have produced, and continue to produce, enormous economic wealth; yet decades of colonialism, apartheid, capital flight, and challenges in the neoliberal post-apartheid era have resulted in high rates of occupational lung disease and low rates of compensation for e...x-miners and their families. Given growing advocacy and activism of current and former mine workers, initiatives were launched by the South African government in 2012 to begin to address the legacy of injustice. This study aimed to assess developments over the last 5 years in providing compensation, quantify shortfalls and explore underlying challenges.
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Cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and coronary heart disease may sound similar but they are not one in the same. This fact sheet will help you understand how these conditions differ.
PATS & ERS
Paediatric Webinar Series
Non- CF Bronchiectasis: Diagnostic Approach and Management
Everyone in the world is exposed to risk factors for chronic respiratory disease (CRD). Three billion people live in urban areas and are exposed to outdoor air pollution. Two billion people are exposed to solid fuel combustion which represents one of the major risk factors worldwide. One billion peo...ple are exposed to tobacco smoke and everyone is exposed to allergens. These risk factors are of particular concern in developing countries and deprived areas.
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is where air cannot get out of the lungs easily (the airflow is obstructed). COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or have smoked. Jobs where people are exposed to dust fumes and chemicals also increase the r...isk of COPD, as well as having chest trouble or asthma in childhood.
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The article investigates the diagnostic capabilities and prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings in northern Brazil. It highlights that COPD is often underdiagnosed and undertreated in resource-limited regions. The study involved 34 general practitioners a...nd used spirometry to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy compared to clinical assessments. Findings revealed significant discrepancies between GP diagnoses and spirometry results, with many false positives and negatives. The study underscores the need for better training and the use of spirometry to improve COPD diagnosis and case-finding in primary care, emphasizing the importance of targeted strategies to enhance healthcare outcomes in developing countries.
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The World Health Organization's fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - chinese version
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Up to 40% of people living with diabetes develop CKD, and the number of new cases of CKD in people with type 2 diabetes increased by 74% between 1990 and 2017. The prevalence of diabetes-related CKD varies widely between countrie...s. The majority of epidemiological data on CKD comes from high-income countries, but countries with lower socioeconomic status experience the largest increase in diabetes prevalence and their populations with diabetes are at higher risk of CKD.
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The NICE guideline on antimicrobial prescribing for acute exacerbations of COPD provides recommendations for optimizing antibiotic use to treat exacerbations effectively while minimizing the risk of antimicrobial resistance. It includes criteria for assessing the need for antibiotics, guidance on se...lecting antibiotics, and considerations for reassessment and follow-up care.
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The document outlines the 2019 update to the South African guideline for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, prevention through smoking cessation, use of bronchodilators as primary pharmacotherapy, and a comprehensive approach to pa...tient care including pulmonary rehabilitation and the management of comorbidities. The guideline also covers recommendations for handling acute exacerbations, surgical interventions, and long-term treatment options.
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Asthma Action Plan
Doctor’s Name:
Doctor’s Phone Number:
Main Emergency Contact:
Backup Emergency Contact:
Green Zone: No coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath.
Can do usual activities:
Every day: Take these medicines, even if you’re not having any symptoms.
Av...oid triggers that you know make your asthma worse.
Medicine: / How much to take: / When to take:
Before you exercise: Take 2 or 4 Puffs of_____ 5 minutes before you start, as needed.
...
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The article discusses the success of the Global Alliance against Chronic Respiratory Diseases (GARD) in Brazil. It details the initiatives launched to address chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) like asthma and COPD, emphasizing the development of national programs and collaborative efforts with the... World Health Organization (WHO). Key achievements include successful advocacy, education campaigns, and pilot projects for asthma control, which have led to improved access to treatment and better management of CRDs. Despite challenges such as limited government priority, GARD Brazil has made significant progress in awareness and care for respiratory conditions. The article highlights the need for continued support to sustain these efforts and develop a formal national action plan.
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The World Health Organization's fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - arabic version
The Africa Health Organisation's fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Heart & Circulatory Diseases (Cardiovascular Disease; CVD)
Heart and circulatory diseases is an umbrella term for all diseases of the heart and circulation. It includes everything from conditions that are inherited or that a person is born with, to those that develop later, such as coronary heart d...isease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, stroke and vascular dementia.
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The article "Economic Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Systematic Literature Review" examines the financial impact associated with moderate-to-very severe COPD. The review analyzes studies published between 2006 and 2016 that discuss healthcare resource utilization (HRU), di...rect costs, and indirect costs related to COPD, with a focus on Europe and North America. It highlights that direct costs, including hospitalizations and medical treatments, increase with the severity of COPD and the frequency of exacerbations. Multivariate analyses identify key factors driving these costs, such as comorbidities and prior treatment history. The findings underscore the significant economic burden of COPD on healthcare systems and emphasize the need for improved management strategies to reduce costs and optimize patient care.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) fact sheet on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) provides an overview of this common lung condition characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation.