Published at 04 November, 2024 12:13.
Coffee Break November: World COPD Day 20th November 2024 “Know Your Lung Function”
Every year World COPD Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) where health care professionals and patient groups get together to educate, inform and raise awareness of the effects of COPD worldwide.
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Symptoms can include wheezing, breathing difficulties, a chesty cough with phlegm or a persistent cough, and frequent chest infections. Symptoms can get worse over time, or a person may have a “flare up” where the symptoms are worse at a particular time. Everyday activities such as walking or even taking care of one’s own personal care such as being able to bathe, or dressing can become too difficult as the disease progresses. COPD happens when the lungs become damaged, inflamed, and narrow. One of the main causes of COPD is smoking and is responsible for 9 in every 10 cases of COPD diagnosed. The longer you have smoked the greater your risk of developing COPD. Stopping smoking can lessen your risk of developing lung diseases or help prevent it from getting any worse. There is no cure for COPD, but the sooner you start treatment the better the outcome. Check with your GP if you have any symptoms, especially if you are a smoker or have smoked. Many people do not realise they have it and they may be in their 40`s or 50`s before diagnosis or even later in life, as symptoms develop slowly over time.
The theme for World COPD Day this year is “Know Your Lung Function” and aims to raise awareness of the importance of measuring your lung function.
To help them diagnose COPD, a GP may:
You may be arranged several other tests such as a spirometry test. This is a breathing test into a machine which can help see how well your lung function is working and can tell if your lungs are obstructed, helping diagnosis and getting any recommended treatment.
If you are diagnosed with COPD any damage done to your lungs and airways cannot be reversed, but giving up smoking can help prevent further damage.
This may be all the treatment that's needed in the early stages of COPD, but it's never too late to stop – even people with more advanced COPD will benefit from quitting.
Know your symptoms and check with the GP if you are concerned. Know your lung function and know that stopping smoking is the best thing you can do. NHS Stop Smoking Service - Yorkshire Smokefree
