Pointing out that the increase in respiratory diseases poses a risk, especially for COPD and asthma patients, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman pointed out that the weakened immune system due to allergies or viral infections may cause COPD and Asthma patients to have attacks and pneumonia that may result in loss of life.

Due to many reasons such as the increase in allergies with the cooling of the weather, the activation of viruses, the opening of schools, the weakening of the immune system at low temperatures, and spending more time in crowded and indoor environments, an increase in respiratory diseases is also observed. Pointing out that this situation is of special importance, especially for COPD and asthma patients, and causes attacks, Chest Diseases specialist Dr. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman pointed out that vaccinations must be done to provide protection.

Stating that every exacerbation of COPD and asthma, that is, deterioration of control will cause a decrease in lung function, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman said that the lung capacities of the patients with increased frequency of exacerbation decreased, and the disease stage progressed. She pointed out that viral infections that may occur may increase the risk of a new exacerbation, especially for COPD patients, but may accelerate the progression to chronic respiratory failure.

Patients with COPD Only the Tips of the Iceberg

Although the awareness of COPD has gradually increased in the last 5 years, Yeditepe University Koşuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman said, “According to the World Health Organization predictions, COPD-related loss of life will be the third most common cause.”

Beware of These!

Stating that newly developed shortness of breath, cough, sputum or increased complaints are the most important signs that control is impaired, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman said, “In these patients, high fever and decreased oxygen levels are also very critical and alarming findings that need to be taken into consideration. Therefore, patients should apply to the hospital without wasting time.”
Stating that especially patients over 65 years of age who continue to smoke, who lack vaccines, and who have insufficient treatment, are among the patients with the highest risk of pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman, diabetes, heart failure, presence of chronic kidney diseases are also important factors that increase the risk.

"Diagnosis of COPD Increases 4 Times in Winter”

Stating that approximately 50% of patients with COPD were diagnosed while being treated for lower respiratory tract infection, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman, “Since cough, sputum, and shortness of breath gradually increase over the years in smokers, patients are not fully aware of their complaints and do not consult a doctor. However, when they have complaints due to infection, they are diagnosed. ”

Precautions Must Be Taken!

It should not be forgotten that the doses of drugs used in respiratory diseases may change, especially due to changing weather conditions, and therefore, controls are important, reminded that Yeditepe University Kosuyolu Hospital Chest Diseases Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman gave the following information about the measures to be taken:

“The scarf should be dressed appropriately for the weather in a way that protects the body temperature like a beret. In patients who smoke, more attention should be paid to good living rules such as quitting smoking, reducing the number if not quitting, regular use of drugs, avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated environments, using masks, regular sleep, regular nutrition. "

Covid Vaccines for This Group of Patients Must Be Completed!

Underlining that it is also important to vaccinate these patients, especially in terms of protection, Asst. Prof. Dr. Seha Akduman gave the following information about the vaccines to be made: “There are pneumonia vaccines, flu vaccines, and COVID vaccines that we can do today. The flu vaccine is recommended to be given in October or November. The influenza virus mutates and the vaccine changes every year. Therefore, it is recommended to repeat it every year. There is no one hundred percent protection, but it allows the disease to be overcome mild. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines, one of which is given once in a lifetime (KPA13) and the other is given once every 5 years (PPA23). In patients without pneumococcal vaccination, vaccination begins with KPA 13, and 1 dose of PPA23 is administered after at least 8 weeks. They are very safe vaccines and are also applied in our National Health System. Completion of COVID vaccines is also very important in COPD and Asthma patients. "