Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Daxas in tablet for COPD patient - credit

MANY ads are made, various campaigns here and there, the millions of dollars invested but smokers still can not leave this dangerous habit.

In fact there is a saying, 'if you want to die, die'. Maybe they do not feel any effect now, but 10 or 20 years, they may be traded between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


Author visit to Seoul, recently, at the invitation of famous Japanese pharmaceutical company, Takeda, to attend a conference entitled The Epic Asia Survey epidemiology and effects of COPD in Asia, provide new knowledge of the disease.

COPD is a disease that raises the burden of harm in Asia. It is a kind of lung disease due to respiratory stuck rigidly caused damage and pneumonia.


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is a major health problem involving an estimated 65 million people around the world.


COPD is also the fifth most important cause of death worldwide and the WHO predicts it will occupy the third place in 2030.

Epic Asia survey emphasizes the heavy socio-economic burden and difficulties facing people with COPD. More than three out of 10 respondents in Malaysia do not work full time due to illness.


Associate Professor Department of Medicine at Duke-Nus in Singapore, Professor Sam Lim, said COPD is a heavy burden, especially in Asia.

"Many people still do not realize the dangers of this disease due to lack of exposure and knowledge. COPD is synonymous with smokers, with 90 percent of this disease due to smoking but many take for granted about it.


"For heavy smokers, you are advised to stop immediately to prevent harm in the future. It should be noted, COPD attacks in silence.


"We would not be aware of its presence until I feel some discomfort and difficulty breathing, but most of that came to the doctor does not know they have COPD," he said.


Important new results of a survey entitled "Epidemiology and Impact of COPD in Asia '(Asia survey Epic) found that COPD affects quality of life and impact on work productivity.


In fact, results of a survey conducted Takeda Epic Asia in Asia covering 112,000 households in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam involved more than 1,800 respondents had experienced a confirmed or suspected COPD throughout Asia, including 200 Malaysian respondents, provide information on the burden, perception and understanding of progressive disease fatal.


According to the survey Epic Asia, the spread of COPD among those aged over 40 years in this country cover about five percent of the population.


Chief Lung Care and Critical Heart Medical Center Philippines, Dr. Teresita de Guia had argued that, viewed as a burden of COPD in Asia.


"Awareness of the impact of COPD is still low and it is really disturbing. Many take lightly because of symptoms such as cough thought it was just normal things without knowing it can have negative consequences if not treated.


"Early treatment able to prevent COPD worse. Take a healthy lifestyle and do not smoke. See a doctor if feeling unwell because prevention is better than cure, "he said.


Deputy Director of the Institute of respiratory disease and the National Clinical Trial Basis Guangzhou Medical College, Professor Jin Ping Zheng said early detection can reduce the symptoms of COPD that does not tip over.


"Many of those who used to come to see the doctor at the last minute. So, not much can be done. In fact, not difficult to refrain from COPD.


"Above all, stay away from cigarettes as the main cause of it. COPD is not a common disease because it affects the patient. It also causes patients are unable to work full-time because often suffer from health disorders, "he said.


In the meantime, the Director of Respiratory Medicine Institute, Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) Datuk Dr Abdul Razak Abdul Mutallif, said recent survey revealed Epic Asia in the past 12 months, respondents in Malaysia remained in the home on average 67 days due to illness suffered.


"Depending on the extent of the disease, COPD can make it difficult to perform normal daily activities such as work and bath. Indirectly, it inhibits one's ability to work when the disease becomes severe.


"People with COPD usually make the decision to stay at home and do not want to go out because it is too difficult," he said at the launch of Daxas (roflumilast), recent treatment of COPD patients are able to reduce the risk of COPD lung attacks in the capital, recently.


Oral medication is now available in all private hospitals and in the planning of public hospitals distributed throughout the country in the form of tablets.


It is recommended as maintenance treatment severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis in adult patients with a history of increasing progressive disease and act as an additional therapy addressing bronchodilator.


"COPD is a disease of growing concern in Asia and should be dealt through various approaches. The healthcare industry should strive to disseminate information about the disease in order to improve the diagnosis rate by educating those who experience these symptoms.


"The latest information from Epic Asia as well as the latest treatment options allows healthcare professionals confirm the diagnosis and management of COPD more effectively," he said.


Roflumilast has a unique method of action of the enzyme inhibition fosfodiesterase 4 (PDE4). It reduces inflammation activity Tues


When used in tandem with major maintenance therapy, it provides the added benefit of reducing the risk of disease from getting worse.


Recent data also show, roflumilast able to stabilize patients who often suffer from COPD from getting worse.


Also present, Chief Respiratory Unit, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (HUKM) and President of the Association of Thoracic Malaysia, Dr Roslina Abdul Manap, and Managing Director of Nycomed Malaysia, Kwa Kheng Hoe. reference