COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or recognised as Emphysema, Chronic Asthma and Chronic Bronchitis) is a long-term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath.

According to the Australian Lung Foundation, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is still a leading cause of death and disease after heart disease, stroke and cancer. It affects 14% of one in seven Australians, 40 or over. This figure increases to 29% in Australians 75 or over.

What causes COPD;

• Cigarette smoke, including passive smoking
• Environmental agents, including air pollutants, occupational dusts and chemicals.

While there is no cure for COPD, there is strong medical evidence to show that early diagnosis, combined with a management program can reduce the burden.

At first, COPD may cause no symptoms or only mild signs but as the disease gets worse so too does the symptoms. Common signs include;

• An ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus
• Shortness of breath, especially with physical activity
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

It is recommended that you seek medical advice from your Doctor if you have any concerns or display any symptoms.

Spirometry testing is a lung function test used to aid the diagnosis of COPD. Spirometry is a common test used to assess how well your lungs work by measuring how much air you can inhale, how much you can exhale and how quickly you can exhale. It can measure how effectively air can be moved in and out of the lungs.

If you wear respiratory protection, spirometry is an important consideration as lung capacity can be reduced when wearing some respirators.

Spirometry assessments can be performed at our Mandurah, Belmont or onsite medical facility. Contact us to learn more on +61 8 9537 5700

Lung Foundation Australia; www.lungfoundation.com.au/events/17208/