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Welcome to the Health Defence Blog - a blog about health, wellness and a healthier you. Brought to you by the Health Defence team at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, you'll find up-to-date information on a range of topics from what's in your food to the latest advice on e-cigarettes!
Guest blogger: Lorna Stevenson - CHSS Respiratory Co-ordinator
November 13, 2016
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the named used for the lung conditions called Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema. This means that it is possible to have a combination of the two conditions in your lungs at the same time and they are treated as COPD.
Watch this video to learn more about COPD:
About two thirds of people who have COPD do not have a diagnosis. Many people relate the symptoms of C.O.P.D. to smoking or ageing and tend not to report their symptoms to their doctor.
This means many people with COPD are being diagnosed later, when their symptoms are worse and benefits of treatment are reduced.
World COPD Day take place in November each year.
Stop and think – could you or someone you know have COPD?
Getting an early diagnosis gives great benefit for people with COPD and getting starting on the right treatments can improve their quality of life.
It’s not just older people who get COPD. Most people are in their 50’s when they are diagnosed but it could be considered in people over 35 if they are at risk. Take a look at the questions on the card pictured; if you can answer yes to 3 or more of these then you may be at greater risk of developing COPD.
Getting the right treatment early can slow down the effects of COPD and help you stay healthier for longer. By speaking to your GP early, treatment can be started sooner.
The main treatments include using inhalers to deliver small but effective doses of medication directly into your lungs to help open the airways and reduce inflammation. Another effective treatment is called pulmonary rehabilitation; this is a combination of especially adapted exercises and education sessions to help you learn how to live well with COPD. Another vital step is to make sure that you do not smoke; stopping smoking will have the biggest improvement on the health of your lungs.
For more information on COPD
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COPD – get a diagnosis & get the right treatment NOW
***Disclaimer: always seek medical advice before starting a new diet, exercise regime or medication. The information in these articles is not a substitute for professional advice from a GP, registered dietitian or other health practitioner.