10,2 percent of the Spanish population between 40 and 80 years of age has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an ailment three times more men than women. Its prevalence increases with age, tobacco use and low educational level and it is considered that only 27 percent of people with COPD are diagnosed.

Despite being a serious and highly disabling disease with associated complications, it is a preventable and treatable process. For this reason, Chiesi Laboratories and the Lovexair Foundation promote a training and information activity on the occasion of World COPD Day 2015. The initiative will take place on Wednesday, November 18 simultaneously in pharmacy offices distributed throughout the Spanish geography.

“It is essential that the patient is involved in their self-care and this can only be achieved if they are sufficiently informed. The health personnel who care for them must offer exhaustive information about the disease, and awareness actions such as this one can help reinforce this knowledge”, emphasizes Carmen Josep Candelich, case management nurse in Pneumology at Hospital de Mataró (Barcelona).

Use of the inhaler, among the most frequent doubts

In each of the pharmacies that participate in the initiative, a nursing professional will offer information and resolve the doubts of respiratory patients and their relatives and/or caregivers in relation to COPD and the correct use of inhalation devices, in addition to deliver a series of materials for the care of the disease.

Continue reading in Medical writing.