Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a term that many Australians over 40 might have heard in passing, but it's alarming how few know much about it, let alone that they might be living with it. COPD is a progressive lung disease that makes it increasingly difficult to breathe, and it's affecting one in 13 Aussies over the age of 40. Yet, only half of those affected are aware they have the condition. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed treatment and management, which is why it's crucial to shine a light on this silent affliction.

The story of Sydney resident Linda Goldsmith is a case in point. About 15 years ago, Linda began experiencing breathlessness, which she initially attributed to environmental factors after moving house. It was only after a severe lung infection landed her in Westmead Hospital that she was diagnosed with COPD. Like many others, Linda had been misdiagnosed with asthma and was using treatments that were not effective for her actual condition.

According to Dr Fong, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) could creep up on unassuming seniors over time. Image Credit: Pexels/Vlada Karpovich

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COPD is not just a single disease but a group of conditions, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that cause airflow blockage and breathing-related problems. It's a condition that can sneak up on you, with symptoms like a persistent cough, mucus production, and wheezing often dismissed as signs of aging or minor health issues. However, these symptoms can be indicative of a much more serious underlying problem.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has recently released the first clinical care standard for COPD, aiming to improve diagnosis rates and patient management. This is a significant step forward, as proper diagnosis and treatment can greatly enhance the quality of life for those with COPD. The guidelines, endorsed by 20 peak bodies, including the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and Lung Foundation Australia, emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.

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Dr Lee Fong, a GP and medical advisor for the commission, points out that the slow progression of COPD often results in a delayed diagnosis. He urges anyone over 35 who experiences shortness of breath, wheezing, or a persistent 'wet' cough, especially those with a history of smoking or exposure to occupational dust or fumes, to speak with their doctor and consider getting tested for COPD through spirometry, a simple breathing test.

The new guidelines also highlight the importance of a patient action plan, which may include inhaler medications and pulmonary rehabilitation. Linda Goldsmith's experience post-diagnosis is a testament to the effectiveness of such support. Through pulmonary rehabilitation programs and attending a breathlessness clinic, she learned to manage her symptoms and recognize triggers for flare-ups.

Key Takeaways

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common yet often undiagnosed condition, affecting one in 13 Australians aged over 40.
• More than half of those with COPD are unaware they have the disease, despite it being responsible for numerous hospitalisations and deaths annually.
• The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released the first clinical care standard for COPD to improve diagnosis rates and management of the disease.
• New guidelines for COPD treatment include a patient action plan and may involve inhalers and pulmonary rehabilitation, emphasising the importance of an accurate diagnosis for effective treatment.

If you're over 40, or if you have a loved one in that age bracket, it's time to take COPD seriously. Early detection and management can make a world of difference. Have you or someone you know experienced symptoms like Linda's? Have you been tested for COPD? Share your stories and experiences with us, and let's raise awareness together. Remember, knowledge is power, and in the case of COPD, it could mean the difference between breathlessness and breathing easier.

 

[Sandra Jim]

I have COPD I am 80 I have had for approximately 15 years