“One blow reveals your lung age”...National screenings to detect COPD starting this year [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Starting this year, people aged 56 and 66 can receive pulmonary function tests as part of the national health screening program. The tests are intended to detect chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) early, before symptoms appear—by which point lung function may already have declined considerably.
Ahead of World COPD Day on the 18th, patients are being urged to take care in managing their symptoms as early winter sets in. COPD symptoms are prone to worsening around this time of year, when cold winds blow and daily temperature swings grow wider.
Professor Im Yun-ju of the Department of Pulmonary and Allergy Medicine at Kyung Hee University Hospital stressed, “Large daily temperature swings, cold, dry air, and respiratory infections such as colds and influenza can worsen symptoms in people with COPD. It is important to watch for changes in symptoms and manage the condition consistently during winter.”

COPD is a chronic respiratory disease in which damage to the airways and alveoli restricts airflow and reduces lung function. Smoking is the main cause, and prolonged exposure to fine dust or workplace dust and harmful gases also increases the risk of developing the disease.
Professor Im said, “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD was the world’s third-leading cause of death in 2023. Because people can easily mistake coughing, phlegm and shortness of breath for symptoms of a cold or changes related to smoking or aging, they should take the risk seriously and actively seek an early diagnosis.”
The main symptoms are persistent coughing, phlegm and shortness of breath. As the disease progresses, people may become breathless even during light daily activities or while resting. If breathing difficulties suddenly worsen or the amount or color of phlegm changes, an acute exacerbation should be suspected and medical care sought promptly. If emergency symptoms such as severe breathing difficulties or reduced consciousness occur, call 119 immediately.

A pulmonary function test measures how much air and how quickly a person can exhale after taking a deep breath. Even if they are outside the age range for national screening, middle-aged and older people with a history of smoking or prolonged exposure to harmful substances such as fine dust should consider getting tested.
Professor Im stressed, “Because it is difficult to fully restore lung function damaged by COPD, early diagnosis and consistent management are important. Middle-aged and older people with risk factors should not take persistent respiratory symptoms lightly and should get tested to determine whether they have the disease.”

If you smoke, quitting is most important. Quitting helps slow the decline in lung function. Consistent, appropriate treatment can ease symptoms and reduce the risk of acute exacerbations.
Professor Im said, “Patients diagnosed with COPD should thoroughly learn how to use their prescribed inhalers correctly and use them consistently. Inhalers must be used properly for the medication to reach the airways and lungs effectively.”
When going outside, cover your nose and mouth with a mask or scarf to reduce direct exposure to cold air, and keep indoor temperature and humidity at appropriate levels. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional and get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease, taking into account your age, health and vaccination history. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection can also worsen symptoms or lead to severe illness, so vaccination should be considered. 


[email protected] Jeong Myeong-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter