World COPD Day, November 16th 2011

World COPD day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) around ... Read more

World COPD day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung disease (GOLD) to improve awareness and care of chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) around the world.

COPD hinders a person’s ability to breathe and covers a range of conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.  The illness leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs, making many people short of breath.

COPD is a highly prevalent disease that has a large impact on quality of life for patients and their families, and kills millions of people worldwide.  The early stages of COPD are often unrecognised, but it is very easy to determine whether a person is at risk.

In patients at risk, a simple, painless test called spirometry can help to diagnose the disease.  Anyone who is short of breath or cannot walk as fast as their friends and relatives due to being short of breath should ask their doctor about undertaking this test.

In Oxfordshire there are over 7000 people with COPD, many of whom are affected by breathlessness affecting their day to day lives.  Although we are unable to cure COPD, we are able to help ease the symptoms through a programme called pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments we can offer patients with COPD.  It involves an individualised physical exercise programme, designed by specialist physiotherapists, together with education about living with COPD as well as coping with the symptoms, particularly breathlessness.

Any person who has been diagnosed with COPD should speak to their doctor or nurse to be referred to the local pulmonary rehabilitation programmes that are currently running in seven venues across the county.  If you have COPD and would like further information please call the team on telephone 01865 402710

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Published: 16 November 2011