Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition marked by chronic respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea (shortness of breath), chronic cough, and sputum production and/or exacerbations. These symptoms arise from abnormalities in the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or the alveoli (emphysema) that lead to persistent and often progressive airflow obstruction.

COPD is primarily associated with long-term smoking, although exposure to other lung irritants such as air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust can also contribute to its development.

COPD is a major global health issue. According to the World Health Organization, it was the third leading cause of death worldwide in 2019, responsible for approximately 3.2 million deaths. Despite its high prevalence, COPD remains underdiagnosed, with many individuals unaware they have the disease until it has significantly progressed.

Symptoms of COPD

Symptoms of COPD can vary, but typically include dyspnea, often described by patients as a sense of increased effort to breathe, chest heaviness, air hunger or gasping. Another hallmark of COPD is chronic cough, a persistent cough that produces mucus (sputum), which is often the first symptom to appear. This symptom is often overlooked by patients as an expected consequence of smoking and/or environmental exposure.

Another relevant symptom is wheezing and a sense of chest tightness when breathing.

Moreover, COPD can make individuals more susceptible to colds, flu, and other frequent respiratory infections. Finally, fatigue, a feeling of being drained of energy, is one of the most common and distressing symptoms experienced by people with COPD.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

For individuals at risk, such as long-term smokers, routine lung health check-ups are essential, as they can detect early signs of COPD, like chronic cough and mild shortness of breath, that are often overlooked or mistaken for normal aging or less serious conditions. 

Menarini Group, a key player on this issue, emphasizes that early intervention is crucial. An early diagnosis can slow disease progression and significantly improve the quality of life for those living with COPD.

The new Menarini campaign

Menarini Group has launched a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness about COPD, aiming to empower individuals and communities to recognize symptoms early and seek prompt medical attention by taking action in different areas:

• Symptom Awareness: the campaign provides detailed information about common COPD symptoms, in the hopes of reaching an early diagnosis and slowing down the progression of the disease.

• Social Media Engagement: through various social media platforms, the Menarini campaign aims to reach a wide audience and disseminate essential information about COPD through educational posts, infographics, and real-life stories, encouraging community engagement and information sharing.

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  The dedicated mini-site: the campaign features a user-friendly mini-site which serves as a comprehensive resource hub, featuring informative articles, downloadable resources, self-assessment tools, and much more.

• Support Networks: Connecting individuals with COPD support groups and healthcare professionals is a crucial aspect of the campaign. Building a strong support network helps patients and caregivers manage the disease more effectively.

• Educational Resources: the campaign offers a wealth of educational materials to equip communities with the knowledge they need to understand COPD better. These resources cover various aspects of the disease, from lifestyle adjustments to treatment options, empowering individuals to take control of their health.

• Open Dialogue: Encouraging open conversations about COPD within families, workplaces, and communities is another vital element of the campaign. Reducing stigma and increasing understanding can create a supportive environment where those affected by COPD feel comfortable seeking help and accessing resources.

The latest Menarini campaign is another step towards ensuring that more people in the world know about COPD and its implications, and seek an early diagnosis. True to its core values that always put the patients first, the Menarini Group is making significant strides in raising awareness about this disease and in fostering a community of understanding and support.

Sources:

1. POCKET GUIDE TO COPD DIAGNOSIS, MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION: 2024 Report. Available at: https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report/ – Accessed May 2024
2. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd)
3. Bellamy D, Smith J. Role of primary care in early diagnosis and effective management of COPD. Int J Clin Pract. 2007 Aug;61(8):1380-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01447.x. PMID: 17627713.