COPD: seven out of 10 Portuguese people are unaware of the third leading cause of death worldwide

More than 70% of Portuguese people have never heard of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), despite it being the third cause of death worldwide and the fifth in Portugal. A national study by the Portuguese Society of Pulmonology (SPP), carried out by Spirituc in 2022, revealed that the lack of knowledge about the disease is widespread, even among smokers, who are the main risk group. In the month that marks National Respiratory Rehabilitation Day, SPP warns about the lack of knowledge about COPD, namely that the severity of this disease is often underestimated.

“It is alarming that COPD, such a serious and, in most cases, highly disabling disease, is so little known among the Portuguese population”, says António Morais, president of SPP. “Additionally, it is worrying that there is no clear idea of ​​prevalence in Portugal. We therefore believe that greater investment in information and awareness campaigns is essential, so that people can identify symptoms and seek medical help in a timely manner.”

COPD is a progressive disease that limits airflow in the lungs, making breathing difficult. The main risk factors are smoking and exposure to atmospheric pollutants, such as secondhand tobacco smoke and industrial dust. The lack of knowledge about this disease covers not only the symptoms and risk factors, but also the diagnostic methods and their impact on mortality. With an estimated prevalence of around 5.4% in Portugal and a significant mortality rate, COPD continues to be a silent threat to public health.

With a mortality rate of around 8.7 per 100,000 people, COPD is a chronic respiratory disease that can limit people’s ability to carry out normal daily activities. It appears, in 90% of cases, in smokers and was responsible for more than 2600 deaths in Portugal in 2020.

It is crucial to increase knowledge about COPD, the third leading cause of death in the world. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the number of deaths.