John Hunter Hospital raising awareness of deadly lung disease
On Wednesday 21 November, John Hunter Hospital will be participating in international efforts to improve awareness and diagnosis of a deadly lung condition, which affects an estimated 1 million Australians.
According to new Australian research conducted by Newspoll, the vast majority (64 per cent) of Australians aged over 45 remain unaware of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), despite national awareness programs running for over a decade.
COPD is a long term disease of the lungs that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which causes shortness of breath. It mostly affects people aged 45 or over, and is characterised by shortness of breath on minimal exertion, a repetitive cough with phlegm/mucus on most days, and a history of cigarette smoking.
The Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at John Hunter Hospital has joined forces with The Australian Lung Foundation to undertake a series of local and national initiatives to coincide with World COPD Day on Wednesday 21 November. These include:
• providing an information booth staffed by specialist healthcare professionals in the Royal Newcastle Centre, between 10am and 2pm; and
• conducting a spirometry training workshop for health professionals to improve the utilisation of spirometry in practice.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Vanessa McDonald said that while COPD is not a name that’s recognised or easy to remember, its symptoms should be.
“Many people think breathlessness is a normal part of getting older but it’s not, nor is having a repetitive cough that won’t go away,” Ms McDonald said.
“You should see your doctor about a simple lung function test if you experience any of these symptoms.”
COPD is Australia’s fifth biggest killer, and the third leading cause of disease, after heart disease and stroke. It is estimated that one in six Australians over 45 have COPD, with one in 10 Australians over 40 having an advanced stage of COPD.
“If you are experiencing symptoms of cough, mucus production or breathlessness you should speak with your doctor,” Ms McDonald said.
“Fortunately, if you are diagnosed early there are a number of things you can do to help get the most out of your lungs, meaning you can do more with the breath you’ve got.
“The first step is to stop smoking and then seek advice about medication, exercise, education and other support.”
People with COPD and their carers can contact The Australian Lung Foundation for further information, help and support on 1800 654 301 or visit www.lungnet.com.au
World COPD Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease to improve awareness and care of COPD around the world.
Interview and photo opportunity:
An information booth staffed by specialist healthcare professionals will be conducted in the foyer of the Royal Newcastle Centre between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday 21 November 2007. Clinical Nurse Consultant Vanessa McDonald will be available for interviews between 9am and 12pm.
Contact: Tamaryn Curry
Phone: 4921 4801