GLENVIEW, Ill., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In support of National COPD Awareness Month, the CHEST Foundation, the foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST), with the support from Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., is committed to raising awareness about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among the Hispanic community. Earlier this year, the Tome Un Respiro Spanish-language COPD awareness campaign was launched to specifically target education among U.S. Hispanics.

The U.S. Hispanic population is now the fastest-growing minority segment in the nation, and it has become increasingly important to educate Hispanics about the risk factors and treatment options associated with COPD. Now the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States, COPD is estimated to affect 24 million people nationwide, half of whom remain undiagnosed. 

During the campaign, CHEST and Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. are encouraging Hispanics to learn more about COPD, and if they are at risk, to get tested. The campaign also encourages clinicians, especially those who work regularly with the Hispanic population, to provide patients with Spanish language resources or direct them to TomeUnRespiro.com.

“Many people who suffer from COPD may visit their doctor regularly but not mention shortness of breath because they think it’s normal,” said Mark J. Rosen, MD, Master FCCP medical director for CHEST. “Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of COPD is critical to getting patients and providers talking in the exam room — and ultimately to facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment.”

Studies indicate that one of every four smokers will get COPD. Other risk factors that may increase the chances of getting COPD include:

• Second-hand smoke
• Working, or living, in an area polluted by dust or chemicals
• Previous problems with lung growth and development
• Frequent respiratory infections

“Among the Hispanic population, we often see these symptoms of COPD mistaken as a normal sign of aging or being out of shape,” said Henry McMillan, Director, Respiratory Marketing for Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. who is the sponsoring organization of the campaign. “That is why in recognition of National COPD Awareness Month, we’ve dedicated ourselves to an ongoing effort of raising awareness among Hispanics and encouraging those who may be at risk to talk to their health care provider.”

iTome Un Respiro is a COPD awareness campaign offering Spanish-language materials, information and resources via the dedicated TomeUnRespiro.com web portal.

About COPD

COPD is a common lung disease characterized by shortness of breath and wheezing. Patients with COPD have trouble pushing used air out of their lungs, making it difficult to take in healthy new air. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both. The most common cause of COPD is cigarette smoking, a behavior clinicians can work to prevent and help patients overcome. Genetic factors and environmental and occupational elements may also cause COPD.

About CHEST

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is the global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine education, clinical research, and team-based care. Its mission is to champion the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chest diseases through education, communication, and research. CHEST serves as an essential connection to clinical knowledge and resources for its 18,700 members from around the world who provide patient care in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about CHEST, visit www.chestnet.org.  

CHEST Foundation, the foundation of the American College of Chest Physicians, supports patient and public education programs; grants, awards, and lectures for clinical and translational research; community service and humanitarian programs; and youth tobacco prevention programs. Since 1996, the foundation has provided more than $9 million for outstanding work in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. For more information about the CHEST Foundation, visit www.chestnet.org/foundation.

About Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Sunovion is a leading pharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing therapeutic products that advance the science of medicine in the Psychiatry, Neurology and Respiratory disease areas and improve the lives of patients and their families. Sunovion, an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Marlborough, Mass.  More information about Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. is available at www.sunovion.com.

Media Contact
Jessica Peraza
Allison+Partners
623.201.5566
COPDLatino@allisonpr.com

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