there is no statistics for lung diseases in Armenia
World Spirometry Day is marked on October 14 and World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is marked on November 17. Andranik Voskanyan, chief pulmonologist of Armenia, today said according to statistics of the World Health Organization, about 15 percent of the world population suffers from chronic lung disease. He could not present the picture in Armenia saying the statistics had not been gathered yet. “We were unable to find money to collect data,” Mr. Voskanyan said. The chief pulmonologist of the republic says pulmonary diseases become more severe and acute in autumn, increasing the need for spirometry. “Spirometry literally means the “measurement of one's breath.” This test is one of the most commonly recommended procedures for patients with pulmonary problems. It helps us detect lung diseases at an early stage,” he said. When asked about the symptoms of lung diseases and their treatment, Mr. Voskanyan said, “People are given a special questionnaire which includes the following questions: Do you often cough up phlegm? Do you often have wheezing? If the person gives a “yes” answer to these questions, it means he should turn to a doctor,” he said. The specialist says smokers, people working in a toxic environment (mining, wood processing, mushroom growing) are among at-risk groups. Consultation for lung diseases will be free at the Republican Speleotherapeutic Center until November 17.
