COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe.
One in 7 Australians aged 40 years and over are living with COPD (1). Early diagnosis is important to assist with the management of this disease during the early stages leading to:
Better quality of life
Decreased disease progression and mortality
Reduced hospital admissions (2)
We commission the following local service to support COPD management:
Upbeat Lungs Exercise Class
We fund the Upbeat Lungs Exercise Group in the Hawkesbury, which is a safe exercise class for people with stable chronic lung conditions. The group meets on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 11:30am - 12:30pm at Fun Fast Fitness in South Windsor.
Classes are suitable for people using supplemental oxygen and / or walking frames. There are seated options for every exercise. To participate, you will need a referral from your GP, specialist or rehabilitation clinician.
The classes are run by Rebecca, who is specially trained in exercising people with lung disease and heart failure.Contact Rebecca on 0404 871 484for more information.
COPD Symptoms
Poor lung health affects 1 in 4 Australians (3). In the Nepean Blue Mountains region, COPD is a leading cause of preventable hospitalisations (4).
Have a chat with your doctor if you recognise COPD symptoms, which may include:
Coughing more than usual
Harder to breathe than usual
Any change in sputum (phlegm) colour and/or volume
Tired more than usual (less active)
A diagnosis of COPD should be considered for patients over 35 years who are a current or ex-smokers (5).
Speak to your doctor about confirming a COPD diagnosis by having a spirometry performed.
Learn more about COPD from John Ruttle, COPD patient and President of the Puffers and Wheezers support group.
If you are diagnosed with COPD, you can access FREE advice and resources to help you better understand and manage your condition by contacting the Lung Foundation.
1.Toelle B, Xuan W, Bird T, Abramson M, Burton D, Hunter M, Johns D, Maguire G,Wood-Baker R, Marks G. COPD in the Australian burden of lung disease (BOLD) study. Respirology [Internet] 2011 April 1-6 [cited 2017 May 1]; 16 (Suppl s1): 12.Available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/res.2011.16.issues1/issuetoc
2. McKenzie DK, Frith PA, Burdon et al on behalf of The Australian Lung Foundation. The COPDX Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2014, found at copdx.org.au.
4. Wentworth Healthcare Limited 2016/2017 Needs Assessment. Kingswood, Australia; 2017. 46 p. [cited 2017 May 1]. Available from: www.nbmphn.com.au/NeedsAssessment
5. McKenzie DK, Frith PA, Burdon et al on behalf of The Australian Lung Foundation. The COPDX Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2014, found at copdx.org.au
