NHS Westminster joins fight against lung disease

The Government is currently developing 'The National Clinical Strategy for COPD' to be published in spring 2010, and these events will help raise awareness of respiratory disorders and the importance of quitting smoking.

It will also identify any people at risk of COPD and offer advice and education, together with lung function testing.

COPD is a term for conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema which are largely caused by cigarette smoking.

It is a progressive lung disease which kills around 30,000 people a year in the UK.

It is estimated that 3.7 million people in the UK have COPD, yet around 2.8 million remain undiagnosed.

The theme of this year's World Day is 'Breathless not Helpless!', promoting the messages that early diagnosis and effective treatments are available to help people with COPD feel better and live more active lives.

Gillian Schofield, Lead COPD Nurse Specialist at Central London Community Healthcare, said: "'We are delighted to be holding these events to mark World COPD Day.

"It will allow people in Westminster to see what local COPD services are available across the area.

"COPD is on the increase nationally but it is still underestimated in many areas.

"In Westminster, approximately two to three thousand older people may be living with a respiratory disease such as COPD.

"The true figure could be much higher as it is often dismissed as smokers' cough, bronchitis or a chest infection.

"COPD is both preventable and treatable and early diagnosis and treatment can slow the progression of the illness."

If you are a smoker and aged over 35 years and have symptoms such as cough, large amounts of phlegm, wheezing, shortness of breath, visit your general practice for a lung function test.

For help to stop smoking, call the Westminster Stop Smoking Service on freephone 0800 328 8537.