"Most patients seek medical attention when the disease has already progressed significantly, making treatment difficult, expensive, and increasing the risk of death," said associate professor, doctor Tran Van Ngoc, vice president of the Vietnam Respiratory Society and president of the Ho Chi Minh City Respiratory Society, at the launch of the Respiratory Unit at Gia An 115 Hospital on 23/7.

According to Ngoc, the rising number of COPD deaths is due to the increasing number of patients, largely linked to smoking and increasingly polluted environments, especially in large cities. In many areas, systems for managing and monitoring patients in the early stages of the disease are not yet well-established, hindering early disease control. In addition, most COPD patients also suffer from other conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections, which weaken their health and increase the risk of severe progression and death.

Globally, it's estimated that someone dies from COPD every 10 seconds. In Vietnam, surveys indicate that about 4.2% of people over 40 have the disease. The rate in men is 7.1% - meaning on average, 7 out of every 100 middle-aged men have the disease.

Ngoc believes that while the number of COPD cases, and respiratory diseases in general, is rising, the respiratory treatment workforce in Vietnam has not kept pace and remains inadequate. Many district and provincial hospitals have not yet established respiratory departments due to a shortage of specialized doctors. Even in Ho Chi Minh City, where many major medical facilities are concentrated, respiratory departments are often overcrowded. There are still cases of patients lying in hallways or temporarily on stretchers due to a lack of beds, putting a strain on medical staff and affecting the quality of treatment.

COPD is characterized by progressively worsening airflow obstruction, related to abnormal inflammatory responses in the airways and lung tissue to harmful particles and gases. Smoking is the most common cause. Other contributing factors include environmental pollution and dust.

The clinical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chronic cough, or increased sputum production, are often easily confused with other respiratory diseases. Although not entirely curable, the disease can be prevented and symptoms can be managed. Early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of death. COPD affects not only the lungs but also other organs. Patients often experience accompanying conditions such as weakness, musculoskeletal dysfunction, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, depression, and lung cancer.

According to doctor Nguyen Trinh Lien Huong of Gia An 115 Hospital, a major concern is that many patients are only diagnosed when they have complications or during an acute exacerbation - a stage where the disease has progressed significantly, the risk of death is high, and treatment costs skyrocket. Furthermore, due to poor disease management, hospitalizations due to acute exacerbations are frequent and severe. Each relapse can cost patients tens to hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong in hospital fees. Many cases require prolonged hospitalization, mechanical ventilation, and face the risk of drug-resistant bacterial infections or hospital-acquired infections, making recovery even more challenging.

Doctor Nguyen Trinh Lien Huong advises a patient. Photo: Nguyet Thu

Doctor Nguyen Trinh Lien Huong advises a patient. Photo: Nguyet Thu

To prevent the disease, experts recommend proactively improving and protecting the living environment. Reducing air pollution, limiting exposure to fine dust, toxic gases, wood smoke, and especially avoiding tobacco - both active and passive smoking - are crucial. Strengthening resistance through proper nutrition, exercise, and complete vaccination, particularly during flu season or respiratory disease outbreaks, is also important.

Maintaining personal hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, and limiting contact with people who have respiratory symptoms can reduce the risk of contracting the disease or worsening underlying conditions. Consult a doctor if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or eye discomfort. Avoid burning garbage, leaves, wood, or agricultural products.

Le Phuong