Increased COPD awareness needed

[Posted: Wed 18/11/2009 by Olivia Fens]

A nationwide drive to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been launched to coincide with World COPD Day 2009 today.

World COPD Day (November 18) is an annual event to improve global awareness of COPD.

It is estimated that about 325,000 people have COPD in Ireland, however the exact figure is unknown as COPD continues to be under diagnosed.

Lack of awareness of the condition in Ireland is high, with previous research revealing that 76% of the Irish population do not know what COPD is.

COPD, predominantly caused by smoking, causes the lungs' airways to become blocked, making it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs and leads to recurring bouts of chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing and increased phlegm.

One simple and painless test to assist in the diagnosis of COPD is a spirometry test, a breathing test that is used to confirm the diagnosis. Early intervention can slow down or prevent further deterioration of lung function.

“I would urge any smoker or former smoker over 40 years who has difficulty breathing to go to their doctor and get assessed for COPD,” Dr Terry O’Connor, respiratory physician, Mercy University Hospital, Cork, and newly appointed president of the Irish Thoracic Society, said.

“When properly diagnosed and treated, patients with COPD can expect a dramatic improvement in symptoms such as breathlessness as well as the frequency of ‘flare-ups’ or exacerbations.”

As part of the activities for World COPD Day 2009 in Ireland, COPD information posters and leaflets are being distributed to GP surgeries and hospitals throughout Ireland.

For more information on COPD, click on...
http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/asthma/showdoc.php?astid=7297