Persistent coughing, breathlessness and chest infections are all early signs of a lung disease which affects one in 40 Salford residents.
And to help raise awareness, Salford GP’s are supporting a global event launching tomorrow to alert people of the serious lung disease Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
The theme ‘It’s Not Too Late’ will highlight the effects of the disease with sufferers of the disease often struggling to breathe which worsens over time as the damage to your lungs can not be reversed.
GP Girish Patel, from Salford Clinical Commission Group, said: “If you have any of the symptoms, you should see your GP as it is important that COPD is diagnosed as soon as possible.”
COPD is one of the most common conditions affecting residents in Salford with many undiagnosed with the condition.
Because of this the CCG is determined to educate and raise awareness of the disease, with treatment available.
“Through simple lifestyle changes patients can prevent COPD from getting worse,” GP Patel said.
“Being active, quitting smoking and using medication (such as inhalers) are all things you can do to help.”
For more information about symptoms and what to do, you can, visit the British Lung Foundation website here.
Image courtesy of Yale Rosen via Flickr, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
