Chronic lung diseases continue to rise steadily. A report from the Institute of Public Health, conducted in Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Kukës, and Korça, raises concern that 37.7% of patients are in the third stage and 35.4% are in the fourth stage of the disease, making treatment difficult. However, doctors at the “Shefqet Ndroqi” University Hospital note that, in parallel with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cases of lung cancer are also increasing.
Experts from the Institute of Public Health state in the report that lack of physical activity, diet, obesity, air pollution, and occupation are among the main factors contributing to lung problems in 82.1% of cases, but doctors emphasize that smoking remains the primary factor.
Another concerning element is the lowering of the age of patients, under 50 years old. The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases is increasing across Europe as a result of rising risk factors like smoking and air pollution.