Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an urgent problem of health saving of modern medicine

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most urgent problems of the modern medical community. Despite the introduction of constantly updated schemes of early diagnosis and treatment into practical medicine, there is still an upward trend in the number of cases, under-examined persons, and prognostically unfavorable outcomes. The review highlights the findings of epidemiological studies confirming the widespread prevalence of the disease, accompanied by rapid disability progression, high mortality, and significant economic damage. The review lists the main exogenous and endogenous risk factors for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including occupational etiology. Attention is drawn to the possibility of disease prevention in a professional environment with the proper motivation of the patient and the application of economic efforts. The article discusses the main causes of underdiagnosis and late diagnosis of the disease. Lifestyle modification makes an undeniable contribution to the prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and improving prognosis in the developed disease. Certain psychological characteristics that reduce adherence to treatment of such patients should be considered in organizing the management of this category of persons and creating special schools. It is important to create a classification of endotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as sufficient public awareness about this disease with the aim of the earliest possible diagnosis.