ΗΥGEIA: Free test for pulmonary function control with spirometry

NOVEMBER 17th, 2010: World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day (COPD)

HYGEIA Smoking Cessation Clinic on the occasion of the World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day (COPD) offers one (1) free test for pulmonary function control with spirometry, on Saturday, November 17th, 2010.

Moreover, pulmonary specialists will provide information on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the available smoking cessation methods.

The test will take place in HYGEIA Preventive Check-up (4th floor), from 10.00 am to 15.00 pm (tel.: 210 686 7340).

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is considered by experts as the ‘Silent Disease’ of the 21rst century, as it has acquired world epidemic dimensions-almost half a billion people worldwide suffer from COPD. The World Health Organization forecasts that COPD will constitute the third most important cause of death by year 2030. It is estimated that about 500,000 to 700,000 people suffer from COPD in Greece.

Smoking, active and passive, is the main risk factor for COPD. However, ignorance is equally hazardous as the disease itself. The disease is ‘silent and insidious’ developing for 10-20 years with very mild and tolerable symptoms; as a result, patients consider such symptoms as a normal consequence of smoking and ageing.

Prompt diagnosis, correct selection of treatment and regular monitoring minimize the risk for
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.