What is COPD?
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a serious lung disease that makes it harder to breathe as time goes on. In Ireland, it is estimated that 110,000 people suffer from COPD (click here for more information). If you currently smoke, or have been a smoker in the past, and are experiencing breathlessness, a persistent cough and are troubled by wheezing and/or phlegm, it is possible that you have COPD.
What causes COPD?
Smoking is the most common cause of COPD. COPD can also be caused by occupational factors, such as working in factories with a lot of fumes or dust. COPD can have a genetic origin (e.g., alpha 1 enzyme deficiency. (click here for more information). For people with COPD, the airways become obstructed, making it hard for air to get in and out. Once you give up smoking, you gradually reduce your chances of getting COPD - or slow down the speed at which the disease progresses if you already have it (click here for source).
Can COPD be treated?
There is currently no cure for COPD, but effective treatments are available which can help reduce breathlessness and improve quality of life. It is very important to see your GP if you are concerned about having COPD as earlier diagnosis and treatment can dramatically reduce the serious deterioration in quality of life that comes with severe COPD.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
The main symptoms include:
- breathlessness
- persistent cough
- wheezing
- increased sputum or phlegm production
(click here for source)
People often confuse their symptoms with getting older, being ‘out of shape’, or with the fact that they smoke. However, breathlessness is a sign that the lungs are not working properly. Many people live with breathlessness and don’t realise something can be done to help them feel better.
Do I have COPD?
Find out if your symptoms might indicate you have COPD. To complete the survey, tick the box that best describes your answer, and add up the total at the end. If your score indicates you might have COPD, you can print this survey and bring it to your GP as a discussion guide.
This survey is a guide only, and does not replace your doctor when diagnosing COPD. Click here to take the COPD symptoms survey
