Aggravation of the Existing Respiratory Diseases due to Transportation Stoppage, Closure of the Medical Institution, and Shortage of Doctors: What Measurements Securing Health Resources and What Actions for the Supply of Health Resources Are Talked About?

Abstract

Large-scale natural disasters affect large geographic areas significantly impacting people, infrastructure, public health, and medical regimens. Such catastrophic occurrences can result in the aggravation of preexisting chronic diseases as well as the development of acute diseases such as infectious or cardiovascular diseases. In order to effectively utilize the limited medical resources for the treatment of excessive numbers of casualties during the aftermath of the disaster, it is essential to integrate medical relief updates through a unified chain of command. Healthcare professionals should educate patients with chronic respiratory diseases so that they can personally manage their own diseases. Healthcare professionals should also educate patients about general disaster preparedness. In order to continue medication for chronic respiratory diseases and/or long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) during the aftermath of a disaster, accessible measures such as mobile dispensing pharmacies or LTOT centers might be considered.