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Chiesi Farmaceutici is fully committed to the care and improvement of the quality of life of people suffering from respiratory diseases including asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). Asthma and COPD are characterised by a reduction in the respiratory flow although they are driven by a different pathophysiological pathway.

According to the latest estimates of the WHO (World Health Organisation), there are 235 million people across the globe – mainly children - suffering from asthma, whilst 64 million people suffering from COPD (WHO 2004 estimate), which is predicted as being the third leading cause of mortality by 2030. If measures aimed at reducing disease-related risk factors – i.e. cigarette smoke – are not adopted, it is estimated that COPD-related deaths will increase by 30% in the next 10 years1.

In the search for continued improvement in the health of patients, Chiesi Farmaceutici researches and develops new therapeutic solutions based on the innovative formulation technology Modulite® which allows the creation of spray solutions (pMDI, pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler) for inhalation able to deliver extra-fine particles. Chiesi Farmaceutici has patented and introduced into the market a dry powder-based medical device for inhalation (DPI, dry powder inhaler), which is also able to deliver extra-fine particles.

ASTHMA AT A GLANCE

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterised by recurrent respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and wheezing as well as chest tightness. In normal conditions, the air is free to move within our lungs through a complex conductive system also called airways. In specific conditions and when asthmatic patient conditions are uncontrolled, the airways are more prone to inflammation, triggering an asthma attack. As a consequence, several changes occur including bronchoconstriction, thickening of the internal mucosa and plugging of small airways, which in turn make breathing more difficult. However, these clinical manifestations are basically reversible, although varying greatly over time or between patients. Generally, the asthmatic status tends to deteriorate during the night or the early hours of the morning. Although it is not possible to recover from asthma, optimal disease control is achievable, ensuring patients maintain an adequate quality of life. But what causes asthma? An asthmatic attack is triggered when a susceptible person comes into contact with irritants. In particular, predisposing factors are genetic (which explains greater incidence in those related to sufferers), the presence of allergies, female gender, obesity and ethnic origin. At the same time, factors such as allergens, professional pollutants, tobacco smoke, environmental pollution and airway infections may trigger an asthmatic attack if inhaled in significant quantities. Asthma occurs more frequently in children and adolescents, although in recent years diagnosis in adults and the elderly are becoming more and more frequent.2

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) AT A GLANCE

COPD is a respiratory disease characterised by a persistent bronchial obstruction (irreversible), associated with an increased chronic inflammatory response of the airways to noxious particles or gas. The classic symptoms associated with COPD are dyspnoea, chronic coughing and chronic production of sputum. In some cases, an acute worsening of the abovementioned symptoms may occur, triggering COPD exacerbation. A double mechanism is at work in the bronchial obstruction in COPD patients: on one hand, an inflammation of the small airways together with the thickening of the airways’ walls and increased airflow resistance may occur. On the other hand, a progressive destruction of lung parenchyma (emphysema) associated with the loss of elastic retraction of the lung may take place. It is important to underline that both mechanisms may coexist, leading to a global airflow reduction throughout the lungs. But what are the risk factors associated with COPD? First of all, there are genetic risk factors that may predispose some subjects to developing the disease. The most important risk factor is cigarette smoke, as well as exposure to domestic pollutants (linked to the cooking of food or gas emitted from biofuel combustion) or environmental pollution. Secondary factors are age, sex, socio-economic status, respiratory infections, asthma or chronic bronchitis. In general, COPD patients are more prone to developing cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, diabetes, lung cancer and bronchiectasis, which in turn increase hospitalisation and/or risk of death. Unlike asthma, COPD is a late onset disease, being more common among adults (it does not exist among young patients), since its development involves a slow and progressive exposure to risk factors.3 

Reference List

  1. who.int/en
  2. ginasthma.org
  3. goldcopd.com
RHEUMATOLOGY

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks flexible (synovial) joints. It can be a disabling and painful condition, which can lead to substantial loss of functioning and mobility if not adequately treated.

The process involves an inflammatory response of the capsule around the joints (synovium) secondary to swelling (turgescence) of synovial cells, excess synovial fluid, and the development of fibrous tissue (pannus) in the synovium. The pathology of the disease process often leads to the destruction of articular cartilage and ankylosis (fusion) of the joints.

Onset is uncommon under the age of 15 and from then on the incidence rises with age until the age of 80. Women are affected three to five times as often as men.

 

ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton, with variable involvement of peripheral joints and non-articular structures. AS is a member of the group of the spondyloarthropathies, with a strong genetic predisposition. It mainly affects joints in the spine and the sacroiliac joint in the pelvis, and can cause eventual fusion of the spine. Complete fusion results in a complete rigidity of the spine, a condition known as "bamboo spine". It usually begins in the second or third decade of life and has male preponderance.

The aetiology of AS is unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors work together to produce the clinical disease.

The outcome in patients with AS is generally good compared to that in patients with a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

 

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis, more commonly known as arthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis and affects millions of people around the world. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time.

While osteoarthritis can damage any joint in the human body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in the hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips.

Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. However, osteoarthritis treatments can slow the progression of the disease, relieve pain and improve joint function.