COPD is a general term that is used to describe a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is an incurable but largely preventable disease, which leads to damaged airways in the lungs causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out. With early diagnosis and the right care, the progression of the disease can be slowed down allowing people to live healthy and active lives for longer.

 

The most important risk factor for COPD is smoking, followed by occupational exposure to dust ( especially coal dust).

 

COPD is a widespread but largely invisible disease. There are an estimated 3.7 million people in the UK with COPD of which only 900,000 are currently diagnosed and receiving treatment and care. The remaining 2.8 million people are unaware that they have a disease which, if left untreated, could severely restrict their lives.

 

Stopping Smoking is the single most important way that you can help yourself reduce the risk of getting COPD and improve your life if you already have COPD.

 

If you want to know more about help to stop smoking please click here.

 

You should arrange to see your GP to be tested for COPD if you

Have any of these symptoms:

Your GP will arrange for you to have some breathing tests which will find out how well your lungs are functioning. The tests will not take long and can usually be carried out at your GPs surgery by the GP or a member of the surgery team such as the practice nurse. They will not hurt you or do you any harm.

 

 

If the tests confirm that you have COPD you will need to discuss treatment with your GP.
Initially it is likely that you will be given one or two inhalers that will contain medication and your GP or Practice Nurse will explain how to use them.

The surgery will also be able to offer you support and help to stop smoking.

 

 

It will be very important that you look after yourself well and your GP and Practice Nurse will be able to advise you about Healthy Eating and Exercise.
You may feel worried about exercising when you are breathless. Your GP will be able to refer you either to Exercise Programmes run by the Local Authority or if appropriate to a programme run by physiotherapists and nurses called Pulmonary Rehabilitation.
You may also be eligible for help with heating your home through the Local Authority Affordable Warmth/ Warm Front schemes and your GP practice can refer you for this.

 

 

If your GP feels it is appropriate you will be referred to a specialist Respiratory Consultant. You may see the Consultant at the local hospital or Community Hospital.

 

 

Sometimes you may find that your symptoms are getting worse (an exacerbation).
It is important to be prepared for this and discuss with your GP/Consultant or Specialist Nurse whether you need some anti-biotics and/or steroids.
Sometimes it is possible to have these at home ready for times that you may feel your symptoms are getting worse.
Most people can be treated at home if they have an exacerbation, but some will need to go into hospital. The decision about whether to go into hospital depends on factors such as: how bad the exacerbation is; your COPD; your general health and how well you would be able to cope at home.

 

Support and Help.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) run groups locally for people with COPD. These are called Breathe Easy groups.
Everyone at the groups will have a respiratory disease themselves or be a partner, carer, friend or family member of someone who has.
The groups’ offer an informal way for you to get support and information locally from people who dealing with the same issues as you.