Brussels, 06/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Respiratory diseases account for at least 17% of all deaths worldwide. Hundreds of millions worldwide suffer from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) alone. In Europe, lung diseases are among the leading causes of mortality, and treatment and care related costs continue to weigh heavily on budgets. In general terms, the treatment of chronic diseases is a challenge that goes far beyond pubic health and is one that Europe must address...