Lung disease disease kills more people than any other disease worldwide according to the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS). It goes on to say despite lung disease killing 4 million people every year, most people are ignorant about lung disease. The Market research agency, YouGov's study cross four continents. Researches say it demonstrated that regardless of the high prevalence of lung disease, people are far more concerned about cancer, heart disease and stroke.
The data was released to coincide with World Spirometry Day. Spriometry is a kind of lung-function (pulmonary function) test. It measures the volume of air taken in and exhaled as a function of time. The patient blows as hard as he/she can into a mouthpiece after taking a deep breath. Spirometry measures how much air the person can blow out of their lungs (FVC - forced vital capacity), and how much they can blow out in one second (FEV1 - forced expiratory volume).
The study says death rates for lung diseases have been rising for decades. Given that research shows that the mortality rate caused by COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) has almost doubled in the last thirty years, the lack of concern is even more dramatic, because the death rate of most other major diseases has been decreasing over the same period.
According to the public poll, people underestimate the impact of lung disease and do not know how to manage it. 57% of respondents never had their lungs tested, even though simple lung tests, such as spirometry help doctors identify COPD, asthma, and other lung problems early on, when treatment is most effective. 70% of respondents thought that those with lung diseases should not take part in any kind of exercise, not even gentle swimming or some targeted gym work. However, physical activity can be beneficial in managing and also in improving symptoms of lung disease, such as breathlessness. Even patients with severe symptoms may benefit from exercise.
Lung transplant recipients who participated in a three-month structured exercise regime when they left hospital were found to have significantly superior quality of life and a lower chance of developing cardiovascular problems, compared to those who didn't, Belgian researchers reported in the American Journal of Transplantation. )
As we head toward the Olympic games, FIRS aims to use these latest data to educate people about the importance of getting their lungs tested, and becoming more physically active - both of which are vital for good respiratory health. FIRS urges patients with lung diseases to talk to their doctors and other healthcare professionals about physical activity options. Data suggest that only 41% of patients ever discuss this with their doctors.
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