Prevention in lung disease is not everything. It is crucial for our health to recognize warning signs.
When it comes to the prevention of lung diseases, most people primarily think of banning smoking. Although smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for many lung diseases, the perspective on prevention should be much broader. Modern pneumology today addresses not only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer but also asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, the consequences of severe infections, or rare lung diseases. And it is with these that it becomes evident that prevention alone is often not enough.
A healthy lifestyle, plenty of exercise, a life without cigarettes, or protection from dust and chemicals at work are all crucial steps to help our lungs. Unfortunately, even doing everything right is not a 100% guarantee that you will avoid lung problems.
This is because there are factors we simply can't influence, starting with genetics and age, continuing with immune system reactions, and ending with the environment in which we live. An example is pulmonary fibrosis, where lung tissue gradually becomes scarred and stiff, or asthma, which can appear even in a lifelong non-smoker without apparent risks. Lung diseases are far from just a matter of lifestyle, but often the result of a combination of circumstances that are out of our hands.
As noted in a interview from 2023 by Prof. Martina Koziar Vašáková, the then-chair of the Czech Pneumological and Phthisiological Society, prevention must go hand in hand with early detection of diseases. "We are pleased that the lung cancer screening has been ongoing in the Czech Republic for the second year, which contributes to early diagnosis and better survival of patients. Thanks to this, we have become a model for other European countries," stated Koziar Vašáková. According to her, the treatment of lung cancer is also significantly advancing, for example, thanks to targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
The importance of an active approach is also highlighted by Norbert Král, head of the Institute of General Medicine at the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, who told iDNES.cz: "We are the first to offer patients screening. We can dispel their fears and motivate them to join the program."
This confirms that prevention is only the first step. It cannot be the only tool in the fight against lung diseases.
Diseases often develop subtly
One of the main problems with lung diseases is the fact that their symptoms are often subtle at first. Patients attribute shortness of breath to older age, lack of fitness, or being overweight. A long-term cough is considered common after a cold, and when a person can't do more, it's attributed to fatigue or stress.
Because of this, many diseases go unrecognized for a long time. A typical example is COPD, which is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases. Experts have been warning for a long time that a significant portion of patients are unaware of their diagnosis and only come under specialist care in more advanced stages of the disease. A similar problem applies to lung cancer, as in more than 70% of cases, it is only detected in an advanced stage when treatment options are more limited.
Therefore, since 2022, a program for the early detection of lung cancer has been operating in the Czech Republic, targeting current and former smokers aged 55 to 74. According to Professor MUDr. Martina Koziar Vašáková, more than 20,000 people were examined within the program between 2022 and 2024. Thanks to the screening, it was possible to detect tumors early in some patients, with nearly half of the detected cases being diagnosed at the first stage of the disease.
If the illness is detected at a later stage, its treatment is usually more difficult and the risk of complications increases. This impacts not only the patient but also our healthcare system. On the other hand, an early diagnosis gives a greater chance to maintain a good quality of life and utilize the possibilities of modern treatment.
What each of us can do
In the end, it's not that complicated. The foundation is indeed greater attention to our own health. Stop dismissing long-term issues and don't be afraid to consult your problems with doctors.
Persistent cough, wheezing, chest pressure, or getting short of breath for no apparent reason are not things you should ignore. If these issues trouble you for an extended period, visit your general practitioner.
Don't underestimate regular preventive check-ups either. Often, it's your doctor who first notices that something is amiss and sends you for specialist examinations. Many illnesses are detected in time, at a stage when they can be treated most effectively and successfully. Additionally, it’s important to remember that an informed patient has a better chance of seeking help early.
Healthy Lungs Are Not a Given
Healthy lungs allow us to breathe freely, move, and enjoy everyday life moments. However, life also includes illnesses, and the best thing we can do against them is to pay attention to warning signs.
In other words: it's not enough to merely prevent diseases. We also need to be able to recognize them in time. This could be the future of lung health care.
Sources: author's text, prolekare.cz, nzip.cz, plicnilekarstvi.cz, naseplice.cz, idnes.cz
