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 ...ght medbox">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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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 reg...ions. The study involved 34 general practitioners and 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 article examines the epidemiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey. It provides an overview of COPD prevalence, associated risk factors, and challenges in diagnosis and treatment across these regions. The ...ight medbox">study highlights smoking and environmental exposures, such as dust and pollution, as significant contributors to COPD. It also points out the gaps in awareness, healthcare infrastructure, and the availability of diagnostic tools, which hinder effective management of the disease. The authors emphasize the need for comprehensive public health strategies, education, and improved access to healthcare to address the COPD burden in these areas.
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The article investigates the effectiveness and challenges of remote monitoring systems for chronic respiratory diseases, focusing on COPD and asthma. It reviews various technologies and their potential to improve patient outcomes through better ...n class="attribute-to-highlight medbox">symptom tracking, medication adherence, and early detection of exacerbations. The study highlights that while remote monitoring has significant potential, challenges such as data accuracy, patient compliance, and integration with existing healthcare systems remain. The authors call for further research to standardize and validate remote monitoring tools and emphasize the need for patient-centric approaches to enhance engagement and adherence.
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The document "Appropriate use and withdrawal of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)" from the IPCRG provides guidance on when to start, adjust, or discontinue ICS in COPD treatment. It highligh...ts the benefits and risks, emphasizing personalized treatment based on patient history, exacerbation frequency, and eosinophil count, while detailing how to optimize bronchodilator use to manage symptoms effectively.
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The2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines: A Report from the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Coordinating Committee Expert Panel Working Group was coordinated and supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood In...stitute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health. It is designed to improve patient care and support informed decision making about asthma management in the clinical setting. This update addresses six priority topic areas as determined by the state of the science at the time of a needs assessment, and input from multiple stakeholders:
• Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide Testing
• Indoor Allergen Mitigation
• Intermittent Inhaled Corticosteroids
• Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists
• Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Allergic Asthma
• Bronchial Thermoplasty
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Asthma is the commonest chronic respiratory tract disease in children. In low-income countries, challenges exist in asthma diagnosis. In surveys done in children, the prevalence of ‘asthma’ defined by ...symptoms is high compared to ‘doctor diagnosed asthma’. The questions answered by this review are What challenges have been experienced in the diagnosis of asthma in children? What solutions will address these challenges?
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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 illustrating MDI use may not be easily understood by low-literacy asthma patients.
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It is estimated that as many as 300 million people of all ages, and all ethnic backgrounds, suffer from asthma and the burden of this disease to governments, health care systems, families, and patie...nts is increasing worldwide. In 1989 the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) program was initiated in an effort to raise awareness among public health and government officials, health care workers, and the general public that asthma was on the increase. The GINA program recommends a management program based on the best available scientific evidence to provide effective medical care for asthma tailored to local health care systems and resources.
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The European Respiratory Society (ERS)/American Thoracic Society (ATS) Task Force on severe asthma includes an updated definition of ...ttribute-to-highlight medbox">severe asthma, a discussion of severe asthma phenotypes in relation to genetics, natural history, pathobiology and physiology, as well as sections on evaluation and treatment of severe asthma where specific recommendations for practice are made. See the unabridged online version of the document for detailed discussion of the definition of severe asthma, phenotypes and recommendations for practice.
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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 o...f medicine
usage; however, manufacturer leaflets illustrating MDI use may not be easily understood by
low-literacy asthma patients.
more
Aerosol pollutants are known to raise the risk of development of non-communicable respiratory diseases (NCRDs) such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and allergic rhinitis. ...ox">Sub-Saharan Africa’s rapid pace of urbanization, economic expansion, and population growth raise concerns of increasing incidence of NCRDs. This research characterizes the state of research on pollution and NCRDs in the 46 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This research systematically reviewed the literature on studies of asthma; chronic bronchitis; allergic rhinitis; and air pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, NOx, and sulfuric oxide.
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Silicosis is not a new disease; the impact of silica dust on respiratory function was observed by Hippocrates in 430 B.C. and in the 16th century by Agricol. In 1713, Rammazini described ...ss="attribute-to-highlight medbox">silicotic nodules in post-mortems of stone cutters presenting with respiratory symptoms. In the mid-late 1800s, the introduction of mechanized tools in the mining sector rapidly increased levels of silica exposure, resulting in an increase in cases and our understanding of silicosis.
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Background paper for the Oslo Summit on Education for Development
The Lancet Published Online September 13, 2016 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31404-0
The prevalence of asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis is high in western countries, and has been rising throughout the late 20th century. However, relatively little is known about the prevalence of allergic disorders in children in North Africa and the Middle East, and even less is known about t...he relative importance of socioeconomic factors in its aetiology in these countries, when compared to Europe, the USA and Australia.
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Here’s an easy to follow visual guide for all you need to know about diabetes including its signs, causes, risk factors, complications and tips to manage the condition.
The World Health Organization's fact sheet on diabetes provides an overview of the disease, highlighting its increasing prevalence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It outlines the ...main types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—detailing their characteristics and risk factors. The document emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use. The fact sheet also discusses WHO's initiatives aimed at monitoring, preventing, and controlling diabetes globally.
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The World Health Organization's fact sheet on diabetes provides an overview of the disease, highlighting its increasing prevalence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It outlines the ...main types of diabetes—Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes—detailing their characteristics and risk factors. The document emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and management to prevent complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss. Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding tobacco use. The fact sheet also discusses WHO's initiatives aimed at monitoring, preventing, and controlling diabetes globally.
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The World Health Organization's Regional Office for Africa webpage on diabetes provides an overview of the disease's impact in the African Region. It highlights that diabetes is a ...bute-to-highlight medbox">serious, chronic, and costly condition, with projections estimating cases to rise to 23.9 million by 2030. The page outlines risk factors such as physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, tobacco use, and diets high in unhealthy fats and calories. It also discusses the three main types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Recent surveys indicate that up to 15% of adults aged 25 to 64 in the region have diabetes, with many unaware of their condition. The lack of access to proper treatment and medications, especially insulin, often leads to complications like neurological, vascular, or visual disorders, heart disease, stroke, lower limb amputation, and kidney failure.
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