Respiratory diseases in the world. Realities of today – opportunities for tomorrow

Foreword When we are healthy we take our breathing for granted, never fully appreciating that our lungs are essential organs for life. But when our lung health is impaired, nothing else but our breathing really matters. That is the painful reality for those suffering from lung disease, which affects people of all ages in every corner of the world. Lung diseases kill millions and causes suffering to millions more. Threats to our lung health are everywhere, and they start at an early age, when we are most vulnerable. Fortunately, many of these threats are avoidable and their consequences treatable. By acting now, we can save lives and prevent suffering worldwide. The Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) is comprised of the leading international respiratory societies in the world. The goal of FIRS is to unify and enhance efforts to improve lung health throughout the world. The purpose of this document is to inform, raise awareness, and assist those who advocate for protecting and improving respiratory health. It tells of the magnitude of respiratory diseases and the threats to lung health across the globe. It is not a comprehensive textbook, but a guide emphasizing the diseases of greatest and immediate concern. It outlines practical approaches to combat threats to respiratory health, and proven strategies to improve significantly the care we provide for individuals around the world afflicted with respiratory diseases. It calls for improvements in healthcare policies, systems, and care delivery, as well as provides direction for research. In brief, it outlines ways to make a positive difference in the respiratory health of the world. We would like to thank everyone involved in the development of this work, especially Don Enarson and his colleagues who comprised the Writing Committee. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Dean Schraufnagel for his careful and expert review. We intend to update this document regularly, and are seeking feedback and suggestions for ways to improve it. On behalf of those suffering from respiratory disease and those who are at risk of respiratory disease in the future, from around the world, we ask for your help in making a difference and a positive impact on the respiratory health of the world. Darcy Marciniuk MD, FIRS Chair American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) Tom Ferkol MD American Thoracic Society (ATS) Arth Nana MD Asian Pacific Society of Respirology (APSR) Maria Montes de Oca MDAsociación Latinoamericana de Tórax (ALAT) Klaus Rabe MD European Respiratory Society (ERS) Nils Billo MD International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) Heather Zar MD Pan African Thoracic Society (PATS)