People are being urged to know the symptoms of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) ahead of World COPD Day on Wednesday November 20th.
Figures show that 2,013 people from Donegal were hospitalised due to COPD between 2016 and 2018.
COPD Support Ireland is working to raise more awareness of the condition.
COPD incorporates two well-known conditions – emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is a lung condition that makes it hard for people to breathe due to obstruction of the airways. Key symptoms are a persistent cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and recurrent chest infections.
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD but prolonged exposure to environmental toxins, fumes and dust, is also a risk factor.
COPD Support Ireland states that COPD is the most common disease-specific cause of emergency hospital admission among adults.
Prof. JJ Gilmartin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Chair of COPD Support Ireland, says that COPD can be managed and treated effectively, especially if caught early:
“My advice to anyone who has a persistent cough with phlegm, shortness of breath, and recurrent chest infections, is to visit their GP. I would also encourage people who are over 35 years, who are current or former smokers, or who have a family history of lung conditions to talk their doctor too. If appropriate, your GP can organise a spirometry test. This is a very simple procedure where the patient simply blows into a device to determine if they have COPD.
“The key thing to remember with COPD is that the earlier it is caught, the better. It means that we can make sure that a person receives the appropriate treatment and care, and have a much better outcome. Put simply, you will be able to live your life better, for longer.”
People who have questions about how best to manage COPD, and who wish to speak to a specialist respiratory nurse for information and advice, can telephone the national COPD Advice Line on Freefone 1800 83 21 46. This is a call-back service and an appointment will be made for a nurse to return the call at a convenient time. The line is open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.
For more information on COPD and COPD Support Ireland, visit www.copd.ie
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