Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

If you have COPD, you may find that symptoms get worse over time during daily routines. Symptoms might get worse quickly and suddenly, known as a ‘flare-up’ or an ‘exacerbation’.

The common signs and symptoms of COPD are:

• breathlessness – this might increase slowly, and may only occur during exercise at first

• a persistant cough – this might be a chesty and wet (phlegm) cough

• wheezing

• reoccurring chest infections

The less common symptoms of COPD are:

• tiredness

• swollen ankles from a build-up of fluid (oedema)

• weight loss

• chest pain and coughing up blood

These symptoms can be indications of something more serious, such as asthma, bronchiectasis, anaemia and heart failure, so it's important to seek medical attention, especially if you're a smoker or are over the age of 35. A simple breathing test can help determine if you have COPD.

There are several factors that might give you an increased risk of COPD. But it is usually associated with long-term exposure of the lungs to harmful chemicals. Therefore, the common causes are:

• smoking

• fumes and dusk at work

• air pollution

• genetics – (if you smoke and have a close relative with the condition you are more likely to develop it. This suggests some people’s genes might make them more vulnerable to the condition)

To make a diagnosis of COPD, your Welbeck specialist will examine your chest and listen to your breathing using a stethoscope. They may ask you about your symptoms, and whether you smoke or used to smoke. They will also calculate your body mass index (BMI) using your weight and height and ask if you have any family history of lung problems.

They may also carry out further diagnostic tests such as:

• chest X-ray

• blood test

• electrocardiogram (ECG)

• echocardiogram

• ultrasound scan of the heart

• peak flow test

• blood oxygen test

• CT scan

• phlegm sample

• spirometry

Preventive strategies for COPD focus on supporting good overall lung health:

• avoid smoking - the leading cause of COPD

• limit exposure to pollutants - reduce contact with harmful chemicals and dust

• vaccinations - get vaccinated against influenza and pneumonia

• regular exercise - maintain lung function through physical activity

COPD can lead to:

• respiratory infections - increased susceptibility to pneumonia and bronchitis

• heart problems - increased risk of heart disease

• lung cancer - higher risk due to prolonged lung damage

• depression and anxiety - mental health challenges related to chronic illness

While there’s currently no cure for COPD, the sooner treatment begins, the better chance you have of reducing your symptoms as well as the risk of any severe lung damage.

If you are diagnosed with COPD and smoke, the most important thing to do is to stop smoking. Other forms of treatment include:

• inhalers to help make breathing easier

• bronchodilator tablets

• mucolytics

• steroid tablets

• antibiotics

Your doctor may also treat you with pulmonary rehabilitation, which is a specialised programme of exercise and education. In some severe cases, surgery or a lung transplant may be an option. Your Welbeck specialist will discuss the various treatment options with you.

At Welbeck, our respiratory specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.