PALERMO (ITALPRESS) – Building a modern pneumology, ready to adapt to the increasingly complex needs of the population. This is the objective that Nicola Scichilone, director of the Complex Operating Unit of Pneumology of the Palermo Polyclinic and director of the School of Specialization in Diseases of the Respiratory Appate of the University of Palermo, recently elected new president of the Italian Society of Pneumology, an assignment that will officially enter into force since 2027. A name that, as Scichilone himself underlines, represents at the same time a recognition and a responsibility. “It’s a nomination that naturally pleases, but also involves a strong sense of responsibility – Scichilone told the Italpress microphones –. It is a challenge that is accepted with awareness. Ours is to build a modern pneumology, capable of responding to the changing needs of the population, from prevention to taking care of patients with chronic respiratory disorders, to the challenges related to epidemic emergencies.” In outlining the current scenario of the discipline, Scichilone recalls the impact of population aging and the consequent increase in chronic pathologies: “Life expectation has increased and this means that many people live longer with chronic diseases, including respiratory diseases, which strongly affect the quality of life. Today, fortunately, we have drugs that can not always heal, but certainly slow the evolution of pathologies such as pulmonary fibrosis or chronic obstructive diseases of bronchi”. At the same time, technologies are also transforming the way to cure: “Some areas of pneumology, such as intervention or non-invasive ventilation support, have experienced considerable development thanks to technological innovation, and we must be ready to fully integrate this new reality.” On the front of emergencies, attention remains high especially in the winter months: “As every winter we face the respiratory complications of influence: pneumonia and respiratory insufficiencies related to the flu epidemic – stressed Scichilone -. It is essential to get prepared, through a wide vaccination campaign in the months before winter. This must be strongly reiterated, because there is always room to improve prevention.” To this, he adds, he must support an organized and resilient health. “The health system must be ready in peak times, both on the level of hospital reception and in the management of respiratory complications.” The message to citizens is clear and pragmatic: “I repeat the awareness of vaccination, which is always useful, especially when widespread on a large scale, because it allows to reduce the transmission of viruses. To this are added the correct behavioral norms and, above all, timeliness: When the symptoms of a possible respiratory complication appear, it is essential to contact your doctor or specialist, because this can prevent the evolution of more serious forms, such as respiratory failure,” concluded Scichilone.-photo Italpress – (ITALPRESS).
