........"CAMPAIGN MAKES PINOYS AWARE OF LUNG AILMENTS CAUSE BY SMOKING"......

... Pinoys Aware of Lung Ailments"...


     I have my friend used to smoke two packs a day especially when he was under stress.  He noted progressive shortness of breath especially when climbing the stairs, but he just attributed this to lack of exercise,  He had on and off cough with phlegm particularly in the morning.  He self medicated, but no improvement.  His shortness of breath and anything became progressively severe prompting him to consult their physician.  After a battery of tests, he was diagnosed to have Chronic Obstruction  Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
    Now, he requires oxygen supplementation by nasal prong several hours a day because of his severe COPD. Had he known much earlier about the killer disease he had, and how he literally killed himself with his smoking, he would have likely quit smoking much earlier.
      2010 was declared as the official year of the lung by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies(FRS) and through the efforts of the Philippines College of Chest Physician (PCCP).  This campaign was also adopted in the Philippines with an executive order which the President signed in January last year.
      The Asian Pacific Society of Respiratory (APSR), congress is an annual gathering of different of respiratory societies all across Asia and this was the first time that it was hosted in the Philippines.
     By making this congress the culminating activity for the year of the lung, this event became a gathering of Pulmologists and other Internist, concern about the health of the respiratory system all over the world as well.
      The year of the lung campaign is based on the belief that lack of  public awareness of lung health is in an important barrier and diagnosis, treatment and development of lung diseases.  The specific goals of the campaign are to raise awareness about lung health among the public, to imitate action in communities worldwide, and advocate for resources to combat lung disease in including resources for research and research training programs worldwide.  The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS)intended to come up with a practical plan to achieve its goal.