For the first time, the Japanese government has set a goal of reducing the death rate from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, in its health promotion guidelines.
Experts emphasize that achieving the goal will depend on early detection and effective treatment of the disease, writes "The Japan Times".
COPD, a lifestyle-related disease, is characterized by persistent symptoms such as cough, sputum production and shortness of breath. Damage to the alveoli from harmful substances, primarily cigarette smoke, causes sufferers to experience progressively worsening difficulty breathing. In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur, which significantly affects daily life, including the need to wear an oxygen device.
According to a study by the Department of Health, Labor and Welfare, there were 16,384 deaths from COPD in 2021, making it the ninth leading cause of death among men. People over the age of 70 account for about 90% of all deaths. As the population continues to age, more intensive measures to manage COPD are becoming increasingly imperative.
In its new guidelines for promoting healthy lifestyles, the third stage of 'Health Japan 21', which covers the period from fiscal year 2024, which began in April, the central government has set a target of reducing COPD deaths per 100,000 people from 13, 3 in 2021 to 10.0 by FY 2032.
Shigeo Muro, a professor at Nara Medical University's Department of Respiratory Medicine, emphasized that treating COPD before symptoms become severe can slow the progression of the disease or even improve symptoms. "We advocate early detection and treatment," Muro said.
However many people do not seek medical attention immediately for initial symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Among those who visit hospitals, some are misdiagnosed with colds and are not referred to specialists.
According to a survey by the health ministry and other sources, an estimated 5.3 million people in Japan suffer from COPD, but only about 362,000 are currently receiving treatment.
Against this background, some local authorities have stepped up their efforts to promote early detection and treatment of COPD. The government of Tokushima Prefecture, which has one of the highest death rates from COPD among Japan's 47 prefectures, has begun distributing leaflets that explain symptoms and provide other related information to raise awareness of the disease.
The leaflets have been developed with the help of specialists, including respiratory medicine doctors, and contain a questionnaire which helps people assess their risk of COPD by answering five simple questions.
The prefectural government rents lung function testing devices to municipal governments upon request, allowing local residents to undergo free tests at various event venues, including those organized by companies. The aim is to increase the frequency of such checks. "It is extremely important to raise awareness among people in their prime," an official said.
Some local authorities urge smokers who are considered to be at high risk of developing COPD to see a doctor. The city government of Koryo in Nara Prefecture sent postcards to residents who smoke or haven't had a check-up in more than six months, urging them to see a doctor. A subsequent study showed that some people were motivated by the postcards to seek medical help.
A local government official said, “Apart from the people themselves, we have received inquiries from family members, including 'My husband is constantly coughing. Should I take him to a clinic?'
The city government is also working to encourage local doctors to refer patients with poor lung function test results to medical specialists.
The Japanese Respiratory Society, of which Muro is senior director, has launched a project to increase efforts to detect and treat COPD early. The group's website contains successful examples from different regions.
"We hope (local authorities) will make an effort to increase the diagnosis rate," Muro said. I BGNES
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