Chronic Illness - COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(also known as emphysema and bronchitis)

Overview.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a chronic condition that affects the airways of our lungs. It affects many people and if not properly managed can cause significant problems or disruption to an individuals life.

The COPD Clinic

During the course of the year we run weekly chest management clinics for Asthma and COPD. These clinics aim to assess your lung condition, review current treatments, make appropriate changes if necessary and also provide you with the latest information about these conditions.

The clinic appointments will be sent out in the post and should this not be convenient then please contact the surgery to arrange another time.

Keeping healthy

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle (further information can be found by clicking on the following links)
  • Stop smoking.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet.
  • Exercise.
• Attend the COPD clinic each year because this allows us to
  • Check how well your breathing is controlled.
  • Adjust or alter your medication by stepping up or stepping down as needed.
  • Ensure you are confident at using your inhalers.
    (http://www.dudleyrespiratorygroup.org/content/how-to-use-inhaler-devices)
  • Check you are happy with your treatment.
• Never stop taking your inhalers without informing your doctor or nurse.
• Make sure you have enough supplies of all your medication. Our policy is to only issue repeat prescriptions when 48hours has been allowed for them to be processed.
• Ensure you attend for your annual flu jab (details here).