Clyde Valley Breathe Easy Group promote Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at Wishaw General

Dec 12 2012 by Robert Mitchell, Wishaw Press

A group aiming to promote awareness of lung disease held a stall in Wishaw General Hospital.

The Clyde Valley Breathe Easy Group manned a tombola and information stall to raise awareness of World COPD Day.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a term used to describe a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

It is a progressive, irreversible lung disease which kills around 30,000 people a year in the UK – and it is estimated to affect around 3.7 million people nationally and yet only 900,000 people are diagnosed with the disease.

Sandra Watson, a respiratory nurse at Wishaw General Hospital, said: “Early diagnosis of COPD is vital as it allows patients to take steps to slow down the progression of the disease and live healthy lives for longer.

“It also helps reduce the chances of emergency care from their GP or the need for hospital admission.

“Unfortunately, not enough patients are diagnosed early enough which is why we’re keen to promote World COPD day.”

The signs of COPD are cough, phlegm and shortness of breath.

Some may only notice these symptoms in winter or put them down to bronchitis or ‘smoker’s cough’ which means they may not seek help at an early stage of the disease.

Sandra added: “I’d like to thank the Clyde Valley Breathe Easy group for helping us promote this important message.”

Breathe Easy groups are supported by the British Lung Foundation and are run by people with lung conditions who aim to provide help, information and support to those living with lung disease, their friends, family and careers. Groups vary in size and activities but can include informal social meetings, meeting with speakers about lung disease and all kinds of related topics.

The Clyde Valley group meets on the first Thursday of every month in Wishawhill Community Centre from 1 to 3pm.