Today marks World COPD Day, designed to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which is a leading cause of death worldwide.
COPD is a common, preventable, and treatable disease, but unfortunately common symptoms can be overlooked or dismissed as a normal part of ageing. NICE guidelines recommend that COPD should be considered in patients over 35 years of age with breathlessness, chronic cough, regular sputum (phlegm) production, frequent winter ‘bronchitis’ or wheezing.
According to campaign organisers, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), earlier diagnosis and treatment can improve symptoms, lung function and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is unusually breathless or has a persistent cough, don’t ignore it – seek medical advice from your GP or 111.
Supporting clinically vulnerable patients
Coventry & Warwickshire IPC offers a ‘Respiratory@Home’ service which monitors clinically vulnerable patients with Covid and those with wider Respiratory and COPD exacerbations, enabling patients to stay at home with clinical support.
Photo by Cnordic Nordic via Pexels
