Respiratory Health in a Globalizing World

to design new, more specific therapeutic agents. New functional imaging diagnostic techniques, less invasive surgical methods, and specifically designed target drugs could contribute to more efficient treatment of many disorders. Advances in information technology could enable home monitoring of patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and further empower patients, especially those who can afford it, to care for themselves. Distance diagnosis and teaching (e.g., through Internet transmission of radiological and video images) and more widespread access to electronic literature sources could facilitate the spread of knowledge and expertise. While it is the hope of many that such advances will improve respiratory health globally, the risk that such advances will be available only to those with resources should not be underestimated ( see below ).