Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

About our service

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease.

People with COPD have difficulties breathing, primarily due to the narrowing of their airways, this is called airflow obstruction.

Although the damage that has already occurred to your lungs cannot be reversed, you can slow down the progression of the disease. Stopping smoking is particularly effective at doing this. Treatments for COPD usually involve relieving the symptoms with medication, for example by using an inhaler to make breathing easier. Surgery is only an option for a small number of people with COPD.

Typical symptoms of COPD include:

• increasing breathlessness when active
• a persistent cough with phlegm
• frequent chest infections

Our expertise

The team provide early supported discharge for selected patients admitted to hospital with an acute exacerbation of COPD and they also provide ongoing care for those with more complex ehabilitation programme. There is support for Practice Nurses who perform spirometry.

How to use the service

It is important that COPD is diagnosed as early as possible so treatment can be used to try to slow down the deterioration of your lungs. You should see your GP if you have any of the symptoms mentioned above.

COPD is usually diagnosed after a consultation with your doctor, which may be followed by breathing tests.