Respiratory diseases are among the most frequent causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Moreover, some of them are in the increase due to tobacco smoking, environmental exposure to pollutants and inhalation of dusts and fumes in the working place or at home. In addition, respiratory infections are among the most frequent types of infections and finally other conditions such as sleep apnea and interstitial lung disease are increasingly receiving attention of researchers and clinicians.
The high prevalence and impact in global health have stimulated research and produced important advances in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. Therefore, it is crucial that practising clinicians are updated on the most relevant advances and are given the opportunity to interact with the leader investigators in the field. In this context, the International Symposium on: Clinical Update in Respiratory Medicine promoted by Fondazione Internazionale Menarini provides an ideal forum for the discussion of the most relevant advances in diagnosis and treatment of the main respiratory diseases.
I want to thank Fondazione Internazionale Menarini for its commitment with the delivery of world-class medical education and for allowing me to develop a completely independent program with the only objective to provide the best science. I am sure that the symposium will completely fulfil your expectations and I also invite you to enjoy the Mediterranean winter of Barcelona.
Dr. Marc Miravitlles
President of the Meeting Clinical Update in Respiratory Medicine