COPD Day

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is a term used for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD leads to damaged airways in your lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for you to take air in and out. Symptoms range from a cough, phlegm or shortness of breath. Some people may only notice their symptoms in winter, or they might put them down to bronchitis or 'smoker’s cough'. 

The most common cause is smoking and by giving up you can reduce the chances of getting COPD or slow down its progress. Occupational factors, such as coal dust, and some inherited problems can also cause COPD. 

Although COPD cannot be ‘cured’ there are many treatments available to help ease your symptoms as well as ways to help yourself such as keeping an eye on your weight, eating a balanced diet and being as mobile as possible. 

The earlier you seek help the better and November 16th is World COPD Day. 

Organised by The World Heath Organisation, World COPD Day is a global effort to expand understanding raise awareness and advocate for better care for patients with COPD. In 2004 64 million people had the illness and WHO predicts that COPD will become the third leading cause of death worldwide by 2030.

But its not just global awareness. There are an estimated 3.7 million people in the UK with COPD yet only 900,000 people diagnosed with the disease and each year The British Lung Foundation focuses it campaigning around World COPD day. You can find out what events are happening in your local area HERE along with much more detailed information. You can even take a Breath Test on line. So if you have any concerns at all why not get in touch with them to find out more. You can also check out our other kindred spirits.

Treatment doesn’t always involve needing a nebuliser in fact there are many other treatments to explore first. But if and when that time comes then one size doesn't necessarily suit all. If we can be of assistance then please feel free to contact us.