World COPD Day 2018

Wednesday 21st November is World COPD Day 2018

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is the umbrella term that describe a range of chronic lung conditions, such as bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions are characterised by the way in which they narrow the airways, causing increasing breathlessness and breathing difficulties. While there is no cure for COPD, as the serious damage to your lungs cannot be reversed, there are treatments that can reduce symptoms, improve life quality and reduce the risk of death.

Did you know that millions of people across the UK have COPD and do not know about it? While some people will simply dismiss COPD as a ‘smoker’s cough’, it is in fact, a life-threatening lung disease.

For those living with COPD, even the simplest of everyday tasks can prove a huge challenge. This is because the lungs, air sacs and airways lose their elasticity and become swollen, which causes breathlessness, wheezing, regular chest infections and a constant, phlegmy cough.

How does smoking affect COPD?

Smoking is the main cause of COPD and is thought to be responsible for around 9 in every 10 cases.

It’s no surprise that smoking is a major trigger for COPD flare-ups. This is because smoking causes inflammation and damage to your airways, air sacs and the lining of your lungs, meaning it’s more difficult for the capillaries inside your lungs to absorb oxygen, making it harder to breathe.

Many cases of COPD are preventable by quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke. If you continue to smoke or don't seek treatment, symptoms will usually get slowly worse.

Find out more about World COPD Day 2018 by visiting the British Lung Foundation website.

Still struggling to quit smoking? Our Yorkshire Smokefree advisors are always on hand to help! We have a number of clinics across South Yorkshire, so get in contact today to find out how we can help you to get started on your quitting journey. Give us a call on 0800 612 0011 (free from landlines) or 0330 660 1166 (free from most mobiles), or you can fill in your details here and an advisor will give you a call back at a time that suits you.