Lungnet

World COPD Day is Wednesday November 21, 2007 and this year, the Australian Lung Foundation will promote taking control of COPD. We want to encourage people with COPD to "catch their breath".

"There are things people with COPD can do to reduce their breathlessness and improve their quality of life. In particular pulmonary rehabilitation, including gentle exercise, is a proven therapy that reduces breathlessness and keeps people out of hospital. To promote this message on World COPD Day, The Australian Lung Foundation will be organising a coordinated national walking event. Our message will be "Walk for COPD and Catch your Breath".

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that affects about 1 in 6 Australians over 45 years old¹ and often causes breathlessness. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are types of COPD.

Alarmingly, 3 out of 4 people with COPD do not know they have the condition² and are therefore not taking the important steps to manage their symptoms and stem the progress of the disease.

Reassuringly, there are things you can do about COPD to help you breathe easier.

Contact your doctor to have a simple lung test.

The Australian Lung Foundation is also here to help. Contact us for information on COPD and support for people with COPD on 1 800 654 301.

If you answer YES to three or more of these questions, you may have COPD.

• Do you cough several times most days? 

• Do you bring up phlegm or mucus most days?

• Do you get out of breath more easily than others your age?

• Are you over 45 years old? 

• Are you a smoker or ex-smoker?

References

Content updated March 10, 2008