COPD Day Aims to Educate Community

Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is joining a global campaign this week drawing attention to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a major cause of disability as well as a leading cause of death.

Free lung screening will be available on Tuesday, 15 November at 5:15pm at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. Members of the public are also invited to learn about COPD by visiting a lobby display at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital through this Friday.

Worldwide, more women die of COPD than breast cancer and more men die of COPD than prostate cancer.

“Many people have COPD and don’t know it,” said Debbie Barboza, BHB Nurse Educator for the Asthma Education Centre. “Some think their symptoms are just a natural part of the aging process. However, COPD is a life-threatening disease that will get worse if not treated.”

COPD develops slowly over years. Symptoms often worsen over time and can limit your ability to do routine activities for many years. Severe COPD may prevent you from doing even basic activities like walking, cooking, traveling, or even taking care of yourself.

Most of the time, COPD is diagnosed in middle-aged or older people. The disease is not passed from person to person—you can’t catch it from someone else.

“COPD has no cure yet and doctors don’t know how to reverse the damage to the airways and lungs,” said Ms. Barboza. “However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.”

COPD is usually caused by smoking or exposure to fumes or very dusty places. Symptoms include coughing, bringing up phlegm or mucus and getting short of breath.

“If you are over 40, with a history of smoking and have these symptoms see your doctor,” advises Ms. Barboza. “A simple breathing test called spirometry can help diagnose COPD. The test is quick, painless and can be done at the hospital with a doctor’s referral.”

The good news is that COPD can be treated. Although there is no cure, people with COPD can feel better and slow damage to their lungs, especially if they educate themselves. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the more effective the treatment will be.

“It is important for people to realize that COPD can be prevented,” concludes Ms. Barboza. “If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is the best way to prevent COPD or stop its progression. It is never too late to quit smoking. You may be breathless, but you are not helpless!”

To make an appointment for COPD education, call 239-1652 or email asthma.centre@bhb.bm

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