FRIDAY, 9 NOVEMBER, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PHOTOGRAPH OPPORTUNITY: ASDA MILTON, 2PM

Dundee event supports World COPD Day

Dundonians will have the chance to find out more about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and have their lung function checked at an event being held to support World COPD Day.

COPD is an umbrella term for a number of progressive lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and the World Health Organisation lists it as the fourth leading cause of death worldwide.

More than 5,000 people in Dundee are living with a diagnosis of COPD and it is estimated that a further 5,000 are living in the community with an undiagnosed chronic lung condition.

A team of specialist community COPD nurses from NHS Tayside is holding information stands at Asda Milton and The Bingo in Lochee on Wednesday, 14 November from 1 – 4pm. This is open to everyone, especially people with a history of smoking and may be experiencing a cough, wheeze and sputum or who have had an increase in breathlessness.

The stand will highlight the early warning signs of COPD and nurses will offer people the chance to have their lung function checked. The event is open to the public, especially anyone living with a lung condition, their families, carers and friends.

Specialist community COPD nurse Claire Rhynd said, “The aim of the event is to raise awareness of COPD amongst the general public and offer lung function testing for anyone concerned.

“COPD is under-diagnosed as the early stages are often unrecognised. This is because the development of symptoms tends to be slow and people may be unaware of them and accept a chronic cough or mild breathlessness as a normal part of getting older or an expected consequence of smoking.

“If anyone is worried that they may have COPD, they should discuss their concerns with their GP.”

Contact:

Lyndsey Daun

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138