With the right diagnosis, support and care, people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can dramatically improve their quality of life.
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However, many people often don’t know they have it, mistaking their symptoms as signs of ageing or a lack of fitness.
As part of World COPD Day on Wednesday, November 21, Launceston General Hospital will offer free lung screenings.
LGH pulmonary cardio rehabilitation senior physiotherapist Jo Crawley-Smith said considering early diagnosis was critical to improving outcomes and quality of life, screenings had a vital role to play.
“Symptoms of lung disease, such as COPD, tend to creep up slowly and people often automatically adjust their daily activities to accommodate rather than getting help,” she said.
“Contrary to what people think, breathlessness is not a normal part of ageing.
“Likewise, a persistent or changed cough shouldn’t be dismissed as the flu or a cold.”
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The collective term for a number of lung diseases that prevent proper breathing including bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, COPD currently affects one in seven people aged over 40.
Common symptoms include a repetitive cough, increased phlegm or mucus, feeling tired, more frequent chest infections and taking longer to recover from a cold or chest infection.
Ms Crawley-Smith, who helps facilitates the hospital’s eight week rehabilitation program Lung Boosters, said education was key to prevention.
“We know as a general population we are less active and we are older,” she said.
“But if we can work to build on people’s strengths, that will go a long way in preventing their condition from worsening beyond repair.
“These screenings can go a long way in identifying potential problems.
“There might be signs and symptoms we can identify and then follow up with on appropriate treatments.”
The free lung screenings, involving a symptom screen and a quick breathing test, will take place on Wednesday from 9am to 3pm, outside the Launceston General Hospital cafeteria.
For any further inquiries, contact Northern Integrated Care Service on 6777 4145.
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