Most of the 31 people who were screened in Hospital da Luz Setúbal on October 4, as part of World Lung Day celebration, reported daytime respiratory complaints with impact in their daily activity and quality of live. Aged above 55 years and with a history of smoking habits, most also had complaints related to sleep quality and were referred for the pulmonology and sleep disorders consultation at the hospital. The screening was based on questionnaires conducted by a team of hospital professionals, which included questions about day and night symptoms and signs related to sleep and breathing, as well as exposure to tobacco and professional activity. Some of the participants in the screenings also underwent the spirometry test . “There was a high number of people complaining of shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and wheezing during the day and at night, with the ultimate impact on quality of life. Many also have compromised lung function and/or sleep related complaints. The most up to date scientific knowledge indicates that the association between these complaints and altered lung function allows the diagnosis of obstructive respiratory illnesses and sleep pathology”, emphasizes pulmonologist Amélia Feliciano .
