In brief

• The text concerns the under-diagnosis of COPD in Poland.
• Over 2 million people have symptoms of COPD, and about 1.3 million know that this is the disease.
• Some patients who have been diagnosed do not use inhalers and medications correctly.

An under-diagnosed disease

In Poland, over 2 million people have symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but only about 1.3 million of them know that this is what is behind their ailments (Możemy uratować więcej pacjentów z POCHP – GazetaPrawna.pl). Dr hab. n. med. acknowledges the significant under-diagnosis of this disease.

Treatment that does not work fully

The problem also concerns people who have been diagnosed and are already undergoing treatment. According to Dr Dąbrowiecki, they do not do so optimally, and the neglect lies both with patients and with the treating physicians. Patients often struggle with inhalers, and a drug will only work if it is taken correctly. The specialist emphasises that half of patients do not use their inhalers optimally.

What the specialist says needs to change

Dr Dąbrowiecki believes intervention is needed so that patients who have been diagnosed and are being treated can fully benefit from therapy. He points to teaching inhalation technique and checking whether medications are being taken correctly. He presented these demands informally at the Forum Rynku Zdrowia.

Why this matters for patients

If diagnosis comes late and treatment is irregular, the disease may progress without clear warning signs.