Millions Suffer Undiagnosed COPD, Leading Expert Calls for National Respiratory Health Plan
PARIS – A meaningful majority of individuals living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remain undiagnosed, leaving millions without access to vital treatment and care, according to Dr. Charriot,a leading pulmonologist. Estimates suggest that 3 million to 3.5 million people in France are affected by COPD, a figure Dr. Charriot believes is a substantial underestimate.
COPD, a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow obstruction, often develops over years and is frequently linked to smoking, but can also be caused by long-term exposure to air pollutants. Symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. Dr. Charriot emphasizes that, notably for those over 40, experiencing respiratory symptoms like difficulty breathing – even without a persistent cough – should prompt examination.Repeated bouts of bronchitis are also a key indicator, yet a “huge underdiagnosis” persists within the general population.
The lack of a definitive biomarker for COPD – unlike conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure which have numerical or test-based indicators – contributes to the diagnostic challenge. Diagnosis currently relies on spirometry, a breathing test, but proactive screening is limited, especially among vulnerable populations. “You have to ‘go towards’ [patients],” Dr. Charriot stated.
Beyond diagnosis, Dr. Charriot highlights systemic failures in post-hospitalization care. Guidelines recommend a follow-up with a general practitioner within 7 days, a pulmonologist within a month, and enrollment in a rehabilitation program within 3 months.However, current performance falls far short, with less than 30% of these indicators being met, according to the French High Health Authority.
New treatment avenues are being explored, including endoscopic techniques to relieve emphysema by allowing trapped air to escape from the lungs, a procedure already in routine practice. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies are undergoing clinical trials to reduce the frequency of recurrent bronchitis.
Dr. Charriot advocates for a national “respiratory health” plan, akin to France’s national cancer plan, to address the growing burden of COPD, particularly considering escalating concerns about climate change and it’s impact on air pollution. He stresses the need to clearly communicate three key aspects of the disease: damage to the bronchi and lungs, its chronic nature, and the presence of airflow obstruction. He also cautions against the stigmatizing oversimplification of COPD as merely “smoker’s bronchitis.”
“The impact on quality of life is major,” Dr. Charriot explained, describing how COPD can severely limit daily activities, from walking and shopping to even basic self-care.
