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COPD is a lingering disease where your lungs are destroyed. Feeling short of breath is one of the early warning signs that can strike from your 30s onwards.
Nearly all COPD is caused by smoking. That’s why stopping now will reduce your chances of getting it.
COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. People who suffer from it describe it as feeling like they’re suffocating.
COPD is the UK's fifth biggest killer - killing more people every year than breast, bowel or prostate cancer. It is estimated 3.7 million in the UK have it, but most don’t know.
There is no cure for COPD, but quitting smoking helps slow down the disease and improve quality of life.
Every cigarette is doing you damage, which can lead to lung disease, cancer, heart disease and many other conditions. The single most important way to prevent COPD and other fatal diseases is to stop smoking.
Quitting may not always be easy, but it will benefit your health and your wealth.
Free local NHS Stop Smoking Service support can make it easier to stop successfully and is available where you live to help you make this quit attempt the one that works.
- Are you older than 35 and a smoker or ex-smoker?
- Do you feel short of breath during simple tasks like undressing, or walking after a few minutes?
- Do you cough several times most days?
- When you cough do you bring up phlegm?
- Do you wheeze when you breathe?
If you are concerned ask your GP whether you should have a simple breathing test for COPD, or contact The British Lung Foundation.
Find out more info at 08458 50 50 20
Registered charity number 326730
- Reduce the risk of a serious smoking related disease from middle age
- You’ll improve your general fitness
- You’ll save hundreds if not thousands of pounds for nicer things
- Your skin and teeth will improve
- You won’t smell of smoke
- If you smoke indoors, you’ll protect loved ones from poisonous smoke
