On World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day get educated about signs and symptoms of lung disease

This year, the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and Lung Foundation Australia are focusing on reducing the stigma associated with lung disease with a stall at Settlement City on November 21.

More public awareness of COPD and lung disease is hoped to expel myths and create conversations around the deadly cancer.

COPD is a long-term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.

It is an umbrella term for conditions including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic Asthma.

COPD affects one in seven – or 14.5 per cent of – Australians aged 40 years or over, and is the second leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions.

Indigenous Australians are two and a half times more likely to have COPD than non-Indigenous Australians.

MNCLHD Respiratory clinical nurse consultant Sarah Buckley said while there is currently no cure for COPD, evidence shows that there are things you can do to breathe easier.

“Early diagnosis and disease management programs such as pulmonary rehabilitation can reduce the burden of COPD, improve quality of life, slow disease progression, reduce mortality and keep people well and out of hospital,” Ms Buckley said.

“Symptoms of lung disease tend to creep up slowly and people often automatically adjust their daily activities to accommodate or reduce their symptoms rather than getting help.”  

MNCLHD Respiratory Team will be available to talk about COPD at Settlement City Shopping Centre (near the food court) between 8am and 4pm on November 21 and the Camden Haven Respiratory Exercise Group is also holding a World COPD Day walk on 21 November, starting at 9.30am from the Marine Rescue Centre in Laurieton.

To find out more about COPD speak to your local doctor or click here.

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