UAE: Respiratory diseases on the rise, doctors warn; 5 top tips to reduce risk factors – News

The two most common chronic respiratory diseases are asthma and COPD – both affect the airways in the lungs

As the world opens up in the post-pandemic period, the number of lung disease cases has been rising in countries around the world, including the UAE. An expert at the Cleveland Clinic’s Respiratory Institute in Abu Dhabi explains the trends and severity behind these cases, as well as tips for preventing chronic diseases.

“Lung diseases, also known as chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), affect the airways and other structures of the lungs. They affect people around the world, including in the UAE, where cases of asthma and reactive diseases are frequent. Affecting the world Other diseases of the people include but are not limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung disease and hypersensitivity pneumonitis – especially connective tissue disease, related lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer,” said Dr Saniya Khan, Pulmonary The physician told Khaleej Times.

Dr. Saniya noted that these diseases are the result of multiple risk factors, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, occupational chemicals and dust, and frequent lower respiratory infections in childhood.

“While there is no cure for CRD, various forms of treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the daily lives of people with these disorders.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s advanced multidisciplinary pulmonology program provides diagnostic and initial testing care, advanced medical and surgical management, pulmonary rehabilitation and comprehensive lung transplant care.

The two most common chronic respiratory diseases are asthma and COPD — both affect the airways in the lungs. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 5 billion people suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which together kill nearly 4 million people each year. More than 1 million of these deaths were “premature” – among people under the age of 70. Up to 90% of premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Asthma is a long-term condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. COPD usually refers to the destruction of the tiny air sacs at the end of the airways in the lungs. Both asthma and COPD share symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing, and people can have both conditions at the same time.

“Smoking is a risk factor that predisposes people to COPD and is a social factor in many countries around the world, including the Middle East. Environmental conditions are an important factor in lung disease, and in the Gulf and Middle East, [these include a] The combination of dust, humid conditions, central air conditioning systems, which can hold many irritants if not properly maintained and cleaned, [and the] Use inhaled incense. [Exposure to the latter] is an organic biofuel, [which] It can cause many lung diseases,” emphasizes Dr Saniya.

“It is important to take care of your lungs and understand the causes and risk factors of lung disease. Prevention, early detection and timely intervention are essential to improve the lives of those at risk of lung disease,” added Dr. Saniya.