COPDThis section of the website gives you information about how you can take a simple & quick test... so that we can help you breathe easy.
COPD is the name given to a collection of lung diseases including; chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.The main symptom of COPD is an inability to breathe in and out properly. This is caused by long-term damage to the lungs, often as a result of smoking.
The symptoms...If shortness of breath is a regular thing when you’re walking the dog or climbing the stairs, or if you have a persistent cough – you could be showing early signs of COPD.
COPD is a condition that obstructs the airflow in the lungs. The main symptom is shortness of breath, but there are others such as cough and production of phlegm.
Help is at hand...
If you do think you may be at risk – don’t panic, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 1 in 7 people in the UK are affected by a lung condition and NHS Coventry has qualified professionals on hand to offer you advice and support.
Getting tested for COPD is simple and quick. Just speak to your
GP about taking a spirometry test.
What is a spirometry test?
A spirometer is a device with a mouthpiece attached.
Patients simply blow into the mouthpiece for several seconds allowing a doctor or nurse to assess your airflow.
Breathe easy...
There is also a support network in place for sufferers, their friends and families. NHS Coventry has worked closely with national charity The British Lung Foundation, to set up Breathe Easy – a forum where people suffering from lung conditions can share, and listen to other people’s experiences.
Contact Roy Goddard on
07752 657 223 Contact NHS Coventry
NHS Coventry has a team of specialist nurses who you can access via your GP.
Please call
(024) 7655 3344 or email:
contactus@coventrypct.nhs.uk Contact the British Lung Foundation
Confidential advice and support for anyone affected by lung disease
08458 50 50 20 (Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. Calls are charged at local rates)
Or you can write to the:
British Lung Foundation
73-75 Goswell Road
London
EC1V 7ER
Or visit us at
www.lunguk.org - GP
GP stands for General Practitioner. GPs are family doctors.