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Breathe easy on World COPD Day
Every thirty minutes another Australian dies from the deadly lung condition Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
COPD is a long term disease of the lungs that is sometimes referred to as emphysema and chronic bronchitis which causes difficulty breathing. It mostly affects people aged 40 or over with a history of cigarette smoking.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Vanessa McDonald said that while one in five Australian’s aged over 40 have some form of the deadly lung disease only one in four of those affected are aware they have the condition.
“It is important that people are aware of the symptoms which can include a productive cough with phlegm or mucus on most days and shortness of breath on minimal exertion, so that steps can be taken to improve and control the condition,” Ms McDonald said.
“If people are not aware of the symptoms of the disease and don’t seek medical attention the number of people affected by COPD will increase dramatically.
“If you are experiencing these symptoms we encourage you to go to your doctor and ask for a simple lung function test because, if you are diagnosed early there are a number of things you can do to help get the most out of your lungs, so that simple daily tasks such as showering and dressing are less difficult.
“The first step is to stop smoking and then seek advice about medication, exercise, education and other support,” Ms McDonald said.
As part of World COPD Day, which is being held tomorrow, the community is being encouraged to be aware of the symptoms of COPD so that they can take important steps to slow the progression of the disease.
The Hunter Area Respiratory Patient Support (HARPS) group and the Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at John Hunter Hospital have joined forces with The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) to raise awareness of COPD by hosting the Catch Your Breath Walk for COPD. The local walk will take place tomorrow at 10am from the Newcastle Foreshore at the Old Tram Sheds.
Ms McDonald said that the ALF will also be launching a new national patient resource for people with COPD called Better Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Patient Guide.
“This new patient resource is an important step in addressing the significant burden of COPD. We know that patients with chronic conditions such as COPD have better health outcomes if they are educated about their condition and become active participants in their management,” Ms McDonald said.
People with COPD and their carers can access the Patient Guide by visiting The Australian Lung Foundation website on www.lungnet.com.au or by calling 1 800 654 301.
Contact: Sharna McCarthy
Phone: 4921 4501
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