The Health Bureau (SSM) is urging individuals over 40, those who have smoked for over 10 years, and those experiencing chronic cough with phlegm or increased breathlessness to consult a doctor regularly for lung function tests, according to the bureau’s statement issued on the eve of World COPD Day today.
COPD is the official abbreviation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
This year’s theme is “Know Your Lung Function,” aiming to unite healthcare professionals and patient groups in raising awareness and understanding of COPD, the statement said.
COPD is a common chronic disease that poses a serious threat to human life, with one person dying from it every 10 seconds worldwide.
According to the Statistics and Census Bureau (DSEC), COPD ranked as the eighth leading cause of death in Macau in 2023, with 88.5 percent of deaths attributed to COPD among chronic lower respiratory disease fatalities.
However, COPD is often overlooked, as early symptoms such as persistent cough and shortness of breath can be subtle, leading many patients to seek medical help only when symptoms worsen, by which time their lung function may be significantly impaired.
Quitting smoking is the most effective way to prevent and manage COPD, as over 90 percent of COPD patients have a history of smoking. The bureau encourages smokers to seek help to quit.
As winter approaches, bringing a higher incidence of respiratory infections such as influenza and COVID-19, the bureau reminded COPD patients to stay warm and get vaccinated against influenza before the peak season.
To reduce the risk of severe complications, the bureau also recommends that COPD patients get vaccinated against COVID-19 and pneumococcal infections as soon as possible.
For more information, residents can visit the bureau’s Infectious Disease Information website or call 2870 0800.
This poster provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday aims to raise residents’ awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
