COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

We provide support and education for patients living with COPD who are admitted to the hospital or living in City and Hackney.

COPD is a term for a number of progressive conditions affecting the lungs, making it difficult to empty them of air due to narrowing of the airways.   The main conditions that come under the term COPD are: Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis.  

COPD affects mainly people who smoke however there are some environmental risk factors and can sometimes be linked to a genetic condition called Alpha 1antitrypsin deficiency.   

Symptoms of COPD include:

• Shortness of breath on activity
• Wheeze
• Phlegm production
• Regular chest infections or having a cold that lasts longer than it should

COPD can result in infections requiring the need for emergency treatment or assessment in hospital. 

Diagnosis of COPD is normally made via a breathing test called spirometry, by a health or medication professional trained to perform and interpret it.

Treatment can involve:

• Support with stopping smoking
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation: an exercise and education programme to improve your symptoms and help you self manage your COPD – Link to PR page
• Ensuring you have your annual flu vaccination
• Provision of a self management plans, including how to manage a flare up
• Medication for long term and flare up symptom management

For more information on COPD please visit the British Lung Foundation website or  the NHS website

The Adult Cardio-Respiratory Enhanced and Responsive Service (ACERS) provide support for people living in City and Hackney with COPD, For more information see the ACERS webpage.