EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COPD

CAMILLA FOSTER ASKS THE EXPERTS ABOUT CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

THE arrival of snow signifies that winter has well and truly arrived, but the freezing temperatures that accompany it are often a source of worry for people with lung conditions.

People with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or severe asthma, can be particularly susceptible to the effects of cold weather, finding themselves shorter of breath and coughing more than usual.

"There are 1.7 million people living with COPD in the UK, with a further 600,000 showing symptoms but struggling to get a diagnosis," highlights Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and clinical lead at the charity Asthma + Lung UK.

"Recent survey data shows that less than one in 10 people with a diagnosis are getting the right levels of care." Here, experts tell us more about the disease and whether it can be treated.

What is COPD?

"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an umbrella term used to describe a group of chronic lung conditions that obstruct airflow and make

breathing more difficult," explains Dr Raj Chaggar, GP at Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital. These include chronic bronchitis and emphysema.