Although it is the third leading cause of death worldwide, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can often go undiagnosed. On World COPD Day (19th November), health experts in the NHS in north Cumbria would like to remind our local communities that if you are short of breath or have a chronic cough, please see your GP.
Lori Prescott, Respiratory Physiotherapist at North Cumbria Integrated Care
NHS Foundation Trust (NCIC), explains: “COPD is a common, treatable disease but can go undiagnosed which can lead to patients not receiving key treatment which we can provide. Earlier diagnosis and treatment results in much better outcomes, including an improvement in symptoms and quality of life.”
Quality of life is key to Glen Adams, 85 from Carlisle who lives with COPD. Glen was a smoker for most of his adult life, until he was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties in late December 1999.
Glen said: “The doctor said I would be dead within three to four years if I didn’t stop smoking. I decided there and then to stop and this coming year will be my 26th year living smoke free.
“Although this is a fantastic achievement, my earlier smoking has left me with COPD. After I was diagnosed I was referred to pulmonary rehab classes and, although it was tough at first, I am so pleased I stuck with it! I was wheeled into the class at first, but now I can walk in, take part in the exercises and walk myself back out again. It has been such a support to me; I can’t thank the staff enough.”
Lori added: “We would advise anyone who has shortness of breath, a chronic cough or a history of recurrent respiratory symptoms to speak to their GP. COPD is also more common in people who have a history of exposure to risk factors such smoking, cooking fuels or occupational hazards.
“Being diagnosed with COPD doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop doing what you did before. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation classes we offer in the community across north Cumbria has many success stories of people, such as Glen, making huge improvements to their breathing, stamina and overall wellbeing.”
The Trust’s Lung Cancer Screening programme has also helped to identify people with COPD and has increased general awareness of respiratory health. Since the programme began in July 2024, over 2000 people have had a CT scan. Although the primary reason for the scan is to identify lung cancer at a much earlier stage, the team has also picked up other health issues including COPD.
Lauren Hughes, Lung Cancer screening lead said: “The first year of the Lung Health Programme has shown how early detection really can save lives. We’re proud of the impact the programme is having and want more people to take up the offer for the free lung health check. If you are invited to take part, please do so, you never know it could save your life.”
To promote World COPD Day, members of the Respiratory Physiotherapy team will be at Dunmail Park in Workington on Wednesday 19th November to share information about COPD and encourage people to do a symptom and risk factor check.