WHO: smoking is the main cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
A new report highlights the critical situation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) worldwide, driven mainly by smoking.
A recent global report on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) reveals that, despite advances in awareness about the risks of smoking, it remains one of the main causes of this deadly disease that affects more than 392 million people all over the world.
COPD, a common lung disease that causes breathing problems, claims the lives of more than 3 million people each year, according to data collected by respiratory health experts.
Highlighting the magnitude of the problem, research indicates that smoking accounts for more than 70% of COPD cases in high-income countries, while in low- and middle-income nations, this figure ranges between 30% and 40%. %, with domestic air pollution as another significant risk factor.
The risks associated with tobacco are not only limited to COPD but also increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Prof. David MG Halpin, consultant physician and professor of respiratory medicine, warns of the growing smoking epidemic in low- and middle-income countries, driven by the aggressive marketing strategies of tobacco companies.
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“About 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users currently live in low- and middle-income countries. “This will undoubtedly lead to a huge increase in the global burden of COPD in the coming decades,” warns the professor.
Covid increased the adversity of those suffering from COPD
The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated challenges for people living with COPD, making access to healthcare difficult. In this context, quitting smoking will not only reduce the risk of COPD but will also significantly decrease the risk of developing serious coexisting conditions.
The report’s findings highlight the impact of tobacco smoke on children’s lung development, significantly increasing the risk of COPD later in life. The tobacco industry, according to the report, employs aggressive marketing strategies targeting children and adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to counter this dangerous tactic.
Dr. Bente Mikkelsen, Director of Noncommunicable Diseases at the World Health Organization (WHO), raises concerns about persistent inequalities in access to COPD diagnosis and treatment. “We need to accelerate efforts to integrate COPD care into primary care in low- and middle-income countries, where the majority of affected people live,” emphasizes Dr. Mikkelsen.
Dr Ruediger Krech, Director of Health Promotion at WHO, urgently calls on governments to implement effective tobacco control measures, especially aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, such as children. “Protecting our youth and raising awareness about the tobacco industry’s deceptive marketing tactics is a top priority in the global fight against tobacco,” emphasizes Dr. Krech.
