Medicus, Vol. 30 No. 2 Astma i KOPB, 2021.
Review article
Epidemiology of Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Nataša Antoljak
Abstract
SUMMARYAsthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, which bring about significant economic and social consequences. Patients may have clinical features of both diseases, and this condition is called asthma-COPD overlap. The prevalence of asthma and COPD varies greatly due to differences in the diagnostic methods used, the criteria, and the analytical approach to data collection. The prevalence can be calculated by conducting a survey of the proportion of patients on a representative sample of the population and making an estimate accordingly. Another possibility of obtaining epidemiological data is based on regular surveillance of recorded visits to certain healthcare services under that diagnosis, and reporting mortality, as well as comparing this indicator with other countries. In terms of age-standardized rates of asthma and COPD mortality, Croatia is at a similar level as other transition countries, as well as some developed European countries. In view of this, it is certainly necessary to continue and intensify the measures of primary and other levels of prevention, which includes the active promotion of non-smoking, quitting smoking, implementing healthy lifestyles and timely diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords
epidemiology, asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; COPD; prevalence; prevention; quitting smoking; non-smoking; healthy lifestyles
Hrčak ID:
264139
URI
Publication date:
18.10.2021.
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