Our grateful thanks to Professor Mona Badafel for her contribution to our radio report which you can hear again at the bottom of this page.
Understanding COPD: What You Need to Know
Why Awareness and Early Diagnosis Matter. Symptom delays are common: A 2022 survey by Asthma + Lung UK revealed that 36% of adults waited over a year before seeking medical advice for symptoms like breathlessness or chronic cough—critical time lost in diagnosis and treatment.
Delayed diagnosis is widespread: Some patients, particularly in deprived areas, waited up to 10 years for a COPD diagnosis.
Public Understanding of COPD Remains Low. A national study found that less than 50% recognised COPD as common, only 41% knew it increases mortality, 54% understood it was chronic, and just 60% accepted it’s treatable. None of these figures exceeded 70% – a sign of widespread misunderstanding.
A patient experience survey revealed 34% had never heard of COPD before their diagnosis, and over 58% didn't fully appreciate the seriousness of their symptoms.
Understanding Causes, Symptoms & Management. Major risk factors include smoking, long-term exposure to dust, fumes, and air pollution, as well as certain genetic conditions.
Key symptoms: Persistent shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum production, and frequent chest infections.
Diagnosing COPD: Health professionals use symptom evaluation combined with spirometry (breathing tests) — especially for individuals over 35 who smoke and present persistent symptoms.
Effective treatments: While COPD isn’t curable, it is treatable. Interventions include:
Why Prompt Action Makes a Difference. Timely diagnosis and treatment significantly slow disease progression and help maintain independence.
Preventive care—including vaccinations, self-management, and pulmonary rehab—can dramatically improve outcomes.
Targeted lung health checks, especially for high-risk groups, are essential for early detection and reducing inequalities.
Helping You Live Well with COPD.
Listen to this weeks radio report
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