Respiratory Health Campaign 2022 Article: Action is needed to improve outcomes for those living with COPD
Once again, ARNS supported the Respiratory Health campaign that launched on today within the Guardian and online at https://www.healthawareness.co.uk/respiratory
The Respiratory Heath Campaign looked at key challenges in the industry across Asthma, Lung Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis amongst other conditions, the importance of clean air within respiratory health and innovation within treatment pathways.
ARTICLE: Action is needed to improve outcomes for those living with COPD
by Kerry Mills, ARNS COPD Lead
It is estimated that 2 million people are currently living with undiagnosed COPD in the UK. It is also the fifth leading cause of death in the UK and accounts for 30,000 deaths every year.
COPD is a chronic lung condition that can cause symptoms of cough, sputum, breathlessness and leads to reduced mobility. Unfortunately, COPD can remain undiagnosed for many years.
Early diagnosis is crucial
Getting a diagnosis as early as possible is essential, as this will have a direct impact on how the disease progresses and future health. It is important that we encourage people experiencing respiratory symptoms to seek advice from healthcare services and not to assume that the cardinal symptoms are to be expected, due to possible history of smoking, pollution exposure or aging.
Health care professionals must remain vigilant and suspect COPD as a possible cause for respiratory symptoms and ask about associated risk factors for COPD. The National Institute Clinical Excellence (2019) and Global Initiative for Chronic Disease (2021) guidelines provide clarification.
Read the full article here