Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
It includes:
- emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
- chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways
COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. Many people do not realise they have it.The breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit your normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control. Without treatment, the symptoms usually get progressively worse. There may also be periods when they get suddenly worse, known as a flare-up or exacerbation.
Shore Medical have practice nurses with specialist asthma qualifications, as well as a specialist respiratory nurse. They run clinics in order that COPD may be assessed, advice offered, queries answered, and correct treatment ensured.
Symptoms of COPD
The main symptoms of COPD are:
- increasing breathlessness, particularly when you’re active
- a persistent chesty cough with phlegm – some people may dismiss this as just a “smoker’s cough”
- frequent chest infections
- persistent wheezing
