Respiratory disease
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Global Burden of Respiratory Diseases
Prevalence and Mortality of Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are a significant global health burden, affecting millions of people worldwide. In 2017, approximately 544.9 million individuals were living with a chronic respiratory disease, marking a 39.8% increase since 1990. These diseases were the third leading cause of death globally, accounting for 7.0% of all deaths. The most prevalent CRDs include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, and pneumoconiosis.
Major Contributors to Respiratory Disease Burden
The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) identifies five primary conditions contributing to the global respiratory disease burden: asthma, COPD, acute respiratory infections, tuberculosis, and lung cancer . These conditions collectively result in significant morbidity and mortality, with millions of premature deaths annually .
Risk Factors and Regional Variability
The prevalence and impact of CRDs vary significantly across different regions. High-income regions report the highest prevalence, while sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have the lowest. However, South Asia experiences the highest years of life lost (YLL) due to CRDs, despite lower prevalence rates. Key risk factors include smoking, second-hand smoke, ambient particulate matter, ozone pollution, household air pollution from solid fuels, and occupational hazards. Smoking is the leading risk factor for men globally, while household air pollution is predominant among women in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Impact of Respiratory Diseases on Children
Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis significantly impair children's ability to function, leading to missed school days and activity limitations. Symptoms like cough, wheeze, congestion, chest pain, and shortness of breath contribute to substantial morbidity and economic burden on families and society.
Bacterial and Viral Infections in Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Patients with chronic respiratory diseases are prone to persistent infections due to impaired pathogen clearance in the respiratory tract. Common pathogens include Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Viral infections, such as those caused by influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses, also play a significant role in respiratory disease morbidity and can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals .
Respiratory Diseases in the Asia-Pacific Region
In the Asia-Pacific region, asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), COPD, and rhinosinusitis are prevalent respiratory disorders. A study found that AR had the highest percentage of patients seeking care, followed by asthma, rhinosinusitis, and COPD. Cough was the most frequently reported symptom and the primary reason for seeking medical care among these patients.
Conclusion
Respiratory diseases remain a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with significant regional variability in prevalence and impact. Effective strategies to mitigate the burden of these diseases include reducing exposure to air pollution, controlling tobacco use, and improving healthcare access. Addressing these factors can significantly enhance respiratory health and reduce the global burden of respiratory diseases.
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