Promoted content: At its 4thRegional Thoracic Medicine Forum, which was held recently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Boehringer Ingelheim, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, brought together over 150 of the region's top pulmonologists to shed light on continued innovation in respiratory care. At the event, experts have mentioned that the region as a whole has witnessed an increase in pulmonary diseases due to risk factors which include smoking, extreme weather variations, as well as genetic conditions. The prevalence of smoking and obesity has also reached alarming heights and the associated lung diseases present a major health burden to medical systems. The forum served as a platform to highlight the diagnosis and misdiagnosis as well as challenges towards controlling the prevalence of pulmonary diseases across the region that include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).In addition, healthcare professionals from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain and Kuwait also stressed the importance of early detection of the symptoms and proper adherence to treatment protocols. Dr Alaa Shalaby, Professor of pulmonary diseases at Cairo University's Faculty of Medicine said, "COPD is a chronic disease that causes limitations in lung airflow and the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, and is expected to become the third leading cause by 2030. In Egypt, COPD is a rising significant health problem; however, information on its prevalence, morbidity, and mortality is still lacking. The prevalence of COPD among high-risk individuals in Egypt was estimated to be about 10 per cent.The most common symptoms are breathlessness and a chronic cough. Although COPD is not curable, it is preventable; where treatment can help slow down the progression of the disease. Boehringer Ingelheim's recent data from its landmark 52-week DYNAGITO trial, involving more than 7,800 people with COPD showed a lowered rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations know as flare-ups after the trial. This important trial shed light on the central role treatments play in the management of COPD which can help reduce symptoms and minimise the future risk of exacerbations.'' People who have a family history of COPD are also more likely to develop the disease if they smoke. In addition, long-term exposure to other lung irritants also is a risk factor for COPD such as air pollution, chemical fumes and dusts from the environment or workplace. Dr Shalaby also noted that, "With more and more exposure to environmental and occupational factors, the risk of contracting pulmonary diseases such as COPD among the general population is high. Smokers, usually visit the doctor complaining from heart problems and are unaware of what COPD is. It is important to take into account that not only early detection is important, but also the form of treatment, as well as the training required for doctors and hospitals to deliver the best care possible for those who are affected by COPD." In addition, experts at the forum shed light on the impact of asthma in the region. They said that the disease is not properly controlled and requires immediate action especially to increase awareness and overall understanding of chronic pulmonary diseases amongst patients, healthcare providers and governments. The number of people suffering from asthma across the world estimated to be as high as 334 million. Asthma is not just a public health problem for high income countries: it occurs in all countries regardless of level of development. Over 80 per cent of asthma deaths occurs in low and lower-middle income countries. Dr Shalaby highlighted that, "The burden of asthma in Egypt and the extent to which guidelines are being followed for optimum asthma control are largely unknown. There are no reliable data on the prevalence of asthma in Egypt to date, but according to studies, the prevalence of asthma among school children in the country have shown that the prevalence of the disease is 7.7 per cent. Asthma diagnosis requires the presence of more than one of the respiratory symptoms, worsening of the symptoms at night and exacerbation of the symptoms by viral infection, exercise, allergens, changing weather or smoke. "The disease can cause a considerable burden on the physical, social, and professional lives of affected individuals and family. According to the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) and the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS), there has been an increase in the general prevalence of asthma. Although the prevalence of the disease is more in developed countries, evidence in recent years has shown a sharp increase in developing countries due to the impact of urbanization'' added Dr Shalaby. Dr Dalia Mahmoud Amr, Medical Lead, Middle East, Turkey and Africa (META) at Boehringer Ingelheim, said, "This year saw another successful edition of the Boehringer Ingelheim Regional Thoracic Medicine Forum, which aims to address ongoing issues pertaining to pulmonary conditions and provides a platform for experts from around the region to exchange knowledge and explore a holistic approach to the treatment of COPD, asthma and IPF. Research and development has been the cornerstone of Boehringer Ingelheim's success and continues to be the major driver of innovative new approaches that help improve patient's lives and address unmet therapeutic needs; in line with both national healthcare initiatives and systems.'' The two day event comprised of interactive sessions with the overall goal for experts coming together to discuss the latest medical and scientific insights on treatment and management of pulmonary diseases across the META region. Doctors agreed that there is still an urgent need to raise awareness among patients and inform doctors about respiratory illnesses, ensuring optimal diagnosis and recommendations around the right method of managing the burden of such diseases.
