Since 1997, the Pulmonologist’s Day has been held every spring on May 17. The initiative to approve this holiday was supported by many countries of the world community.
For the first time, lung function began to be studied in 1628, when the small circle of blood circulation was discovered. In the 17th and 18th centuries, methods for diagnosing diseases of the respiratory system emerged. In the 19th century, respiratory organs and diseases associated with them were studied through experiments and observations. It is impossible to know about the accuracy of the diagnoses that were made by doctors at that time. Thanks to the works of Sechenov and Pashutin on the composition of the air, modern ideas about problems with the respiratory organs have changed. Today pulmonology is developing rapidly. Specialists detect most diseases at the initial stage.
In Russia, the so-called “breast medicine” as a separate branch began to emerge and actively develop in our country back in the 80s of the last century. Initially, it was entirely devoted to the issues of diseases of the bronchi, trachea, pleura and lungs. At about the same time, phthisiology emerged, comprehensively studying tuberculosis. Today, pulmonology has reached unprecedented heights. A new generation of computed tomography makes it possible to recognize more than 90% of the total number of diagnoses even at the initial stages. Such a progress is explained by disappointing statistics. According to open data from analytical agencies, the most common diseases among Russian citizens are pneumonia, tracheitis and bronchitis, in other words, respiratory diseases. Residents of the northern regions of the country — Chukotka, Yakutia, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug – were the most susceptible to them.
Pulmonology has acquired special significance in modern medical science. According to WHO, bronchial and lung diseases occupy leading positions in modern society, their share in the total morbidity of the population varies from 41% to 53%. In the structure of the reasons for seeking medical help, nonspecific lung diseases account for more than 60%. The main place is occupied by chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Bronchopulmonary diseases as a cause of death occupy the 3rd-4th place in the world.
Due to the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection, pulmonologists have found themselves in the epicenter of sad events and are in demand as never before. A unified team of pulmonologists, virologists, infectious diseases specialists, resuscitators is fighting for the life of every sick person. Doctors never tired of reminding us of the importance of following the rules for the protection of the respiration organs and the prevention of respiratory system diseases .
Department of Internal Diseases INO