http://www.medicinaeinformazione.com/ / medicinaeinformazione Chronic respiratory diseases are increasing rapidly worldwide and among these, COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is certainly the one with the greatest impact, considering that it is an evolving pathology and that if not intercepted in time it can seriously compromise the quality of life of those who suffer from it. To find out the most correct path of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment with the latest generation combined drugs, we met with Prof. Salvatore Valente, Director of the Pulmonology Unit of the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome who explained to us that COPD is the sum of chronic bronchitis (which is an inflammatory disease of the airways) and emphysema (which is a disease of the lung tissue) and that the most important risk factor is cigarette smoking, both active and passive) in addition to a genetic predisposition and continuous exposure to external and external pollutants. There are then some forms that coincide with bronchial hyperactivity linked to asthma and which are defined ACO (asthma + COPD). It remains essential to intercept the disease at its onset in order to treat it in the best way and then the symptoms that must be an alarm bell are a prolonged cough (both productive and dry), and dyspnea - initially with effort and then also at rest. The diagnosis is reached with a global spirometry to evaluate the lung volumes (and Dr. Luigi Mauti shows us the essential steps) with a 24-hour oximetry and in some cases with a CT scan. For those suffering from COPD, vaccinations remain very important to avoid infections that can worsen their situation (and we are talking about the flu season vaccine and the conjugated pneumococcal vaccine) and a lifestyle that prevents contagion from viral or bacterial infections, which includes living in environments without wood stoves or fireplaces and with a correct balance of humidity... And therapies today are able to offer so-called ultra long active combined drugs, therefore long-lasting - even 24 hours - which improve the patient's therapeutic adherence, bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids capable of reducing relapses that entail a risk of further functional damage. And in addition to drugs, it is equally important to offer the patient respiratory rehabilitation from the onset of the disease to prevent muscle deconditioning and retrain for physical effort, since physical activity remains one of the cornerstones of maintaining quality of life and certain exercises improve muscle trophism, even with simple daily movements (and we will learn with Dr. Mia Pia Torrice the effects of rehabilitation). Without forgetting the importance of psychological support for patients who must learn to live with a chronic and progressive disease that can also lead to depressive syndromes that must be managed carefully to avoid anxiolytic drugs that can have a depressive effect on the respiratory centers.