••
During a recent healthcare conference titled “Article 32: the right to breathe,” prominent pediatrician Giuseppe Marchese issued a significant warning regarding the long-term impacts of pediatric respiratory health. Speaking at the event held ahead of World Lung Day on September 25, Marchese, who serves at Asst Valcamonica in Brescia, highlighted that childhood asthma is frequently the foundation for severe respiratory conditions later in life. He emphasized that the struggle for lung health often begins in infancy, necessitating a more proactive approach to pediatric care and a better understanding of how early-life illnesses shape the health of the elderly. This perspective shifts the medical focus from managing acute symptoms to establishing long-term preventative health strategies. A primary concern raised by Marchese is the early onset of asthma in children, which in many cases leads to persistent and severe respiratory challenges that continue into adulthood despite ongoing medical treatments. The pediatrician specifically pointed out that Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)—a debilitating condition typically associated with the elderly or long-term smokers—can often have its origins traced directly back to childhood illnesses and poorly managed pediatric asthma. This biological link suggests that the damage occurring in the lungs during the first years of life creates a trajectory toward chronic disability in later years, making early intervention and specialized care critical during childhood development. The conference underscored the importance of the 'right to breathe' as a fundamental health priority and a right that should be protected from the earliest stages of life. Marchese urged the medical community to focus on improving therapeutic responses to better meet the specific needs of affected children, ensuring that treatment protocols are robust enough to prevent permanent lung damage. By recognizing the early roots of adult COPD, healthcare providers can potentially intervene sooner, improving long-term outcomes and reducing the global burden of chronic respiratory disease. As World Lung Day approaches, these findings provide a vital framework for policymakers and health practitioners to prioritize pediatric respiratory resources as a cornerstone of public health.