A research team led by Professor Yeon Dong-geun from Kyung Hee University's College of Medicine presented their findings on the burden of chronic respiratory diseases across 34 Asian countries from 1990 to 2023. The study, published in the January issue of 'The Lancet Respiratory Medicine,' reveals that despite an overall decrease in disease burden over the past three decades, significant gaps remain based on region, gender, and socioeconomic status. The analysis focused on major chronic respiratory diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung disease, and pneumoconiosis, highlighting the need for targeted public health interventions.

Overall, the study found that age-standardized prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) for chronic respiratory diseases have decreased across Asia. However, discrepancies were notable among specific diseases and countries. By 2023, the prevalence of COPD was highest in South Asia, while asthma prevalence was notably high in high-income Asia-Pacific and Southeast Asian regions. This suggests that while some areas have made strides in managing these diseases, others continue to struggle significantly due to socioeconomic factors and healthcare access.

Moreover, the research highlighted that indoor air pollution from the use of solid fuels remains a critical risk factor in the South Asian region, pointing to an urgent need for structural improvements in environment and health policies. The findings indicate that addressing these preventable risk factors requires a concerted effort to improve clean energy access, housing conditions, and ventilation practices, emphasizing the essential role of environmental health policies in public health strategies. Researcher Jo Hye-soo stressed the importance of addressing chronic respiratory diseases, which the World Health Organization identifies as key non-communicable diseases that require a collective response from the international community.