On World COPD Day ask: “Howare your lungs?”

Health campaigners say that more than two thirds of people in Lanarkshire who have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) do not know they have it.
2011 World COPD Day
Spirometry testing
submitted photo November 20152011 World COPD Day
Spirometry testing
submitted photo November 2015
2011 World COPD Day Spirometry testing submitted photo November 2015

On World COPD Day (today, Wednesday) health professionals are urging people to think twice about ignoring the signs of this condition.

For example: Are you aged 35 or over? Are you a smoker or ex-smoker? Do you cough often and on most days? Are you more breathless than others your age? Do you cough up phlegm? If you answer yes to more than three questions you might have COPD.

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COPD is a term used to describe a number of conditions, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is estimated that over 118,000 people in Scotland have COPD and many more are likely to, but think they are getting older or ‘out of shape’.

Jill Adams, respiratory co-ordinator with charity Chest Heart Stroke Scotland said “People who have these symptoms - persistent cough, phlegm, wheezing or shortness of breath - should see their doctor and ask about a simple test called spirometry to check their lungs. If COPD is detected early, effective treatments are available to help them keep their lungs healthy and to live more active lives.”

There is a lot you can do to manage COPD and stay healthier for longer. CHS Scotland this year launched a self management resource My Lungs My Life (www.mylungsmylife.org) to help.

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