MANAGING lung diseases can be challenging because of many factors, including accurate diagnosis, an expert said Monday.
In an email interview with The Manila Times, Yusuke Kato, general manager of Omron Healthcare Asia Pacific, said "different lung diseases require different treatment approaches, including medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, or even surgery, that is why finding the most suitable treatment can also be very challenging." Kato said patients with chronic lung diseases often require long-term medication, and adherence to medication regimens can be difficult because of possible side effects and the high cost.
"Some patients also prefer the natural way, which is to modify their lifestyles by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising, all of which are essential for managing lung diseases," he said.
The National Institute of Health and Research said there are many different lung diseases caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Other lung diseases are associated with environmental factors, including asthma, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
The five most common lung diseases are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, emphysema and tuberculosis.
"The easiest way to spread awareness about lung health is by informing the public using simple, relatable language and visuals. We are talking to the masses here, and using highly technical medical terms will only make our message difficult for them to accept and understand," Kato said when asked how to promote public awareness about lung diseases.
There are also myths that have to be debunked, he said.
The most common one is that "only smokers get lung cancer" or "lung function cannot be improved once it's damaged," Kato said.
"Our lungs are one of the strongest and most crucial body organs we have, and keeping them healthy is significantly beneficial for one's body. Keeping our lungs healthy is as important as debunking myths as these myths, when left unaddressed, could potentially cause people to neglect their proper lung care," he said.
He said people who have never smoked can also develop a lung disease, and non-smokers are also at risk of having lung cancer due to various factors such as genetics and exposure to second-hand smoking.
