Overview
- AAMR and the Buenos Aires pulmonary society are running the national “Podría ser EPOC” drive this month with free spirometry, with bookings at pedirturno.com.ar.
- Specialists urge smokers and ex-smokers over 40 to have at least one spirometry because the disease is frequently detected late.
- An estimated 14.5% of Argentines over 40—about 2.3 million people—have COPD, and close to 80% are unaware of their condition.
- Most patients are current or former smokers, though exposure to biomass smoke, workplace dust or chemicals, air pollution and genetic susceptibility also play roles.
- Early detection supports smoking cessation, long-acting bronchodilators, pulmonary rehabilitation and vaccination, but established lung damage cannot be reversed.