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Lung diseases

Lung or respiratory diseases, such as bronchial asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), are diseases of the lungs with typical symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath (dyspnea), affecting millions of people worldwide.

Asthma is a serious global health problem, affecting an estimated 262 million people worldwide in 2019.¹ Allergens such as pollen or hair from dogs and cats, as well as cigarette smoke or air pollution, can trigger the typical asthma symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.

COPD, often popularly referred to as smoker's cough, is a major cause of chronic disease burden and mortality, making it one of the biggest health problems worldwide. Globally, COPD is the third leading cause of death² and a further increase in its incidence is foreseeable. Although asthma and COPD have many similarities, they also have many differences. They are two distinct diseases with differences in causes, timing of diagnosis, symptom characteristics, treatment management, and course. Today, the dreaded asthma attack can be effectively counteracted with modern medications. Anyone who is informed by means of a personal allergen list which substances to avoid and who, as a smoker, can stop smoking, is actively contributing to a life without the above-mentioned distressing symptoms.

References: ¹ https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma, ² https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death

AT-WEB-29-10-2021