Public Health Agency Encourages People to Quit Smoking and Celebrate World COPD Day

Cigarette smoking is identified as the primary factor responsible for COPD. Hence, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is cheering smokers to stop smoking right away as a sign of support for the World COPD Day (14^th November 2012).

According to PHA`s Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Gerry Bleakney, smoking can damage or cause inflammation to the airways lining and is likely to evolve as the biggest factor responsible for COPD. However, Gerry also reveals that as an individual starts smoking for longer periods, it increases his risk of falling prey to COPD.

Furthermore, news sources make it apparent that in the year 2012; around 32,973 individuals have registered in Northern Ireland as patients of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This ailment may lead to mild or severe type of abnormal sputum, wheezing, shortness of breath et al and when COPD becomes severe, it may cause problems in walking up the stairs.

The most common symptoms of COPD are breathlessness, wheezing, abnormal sputum (a mix of saliva and mucus in the airway), and a chronic cough often mistaken for a ‘smokers’ cough’.

Gerry Bleakney reveals that it is difficult to find a suitable treatment for COPD that can help patients get rid of the disorder. He adds that quit smoking is the best way to reduce the chances of worsening this disorder and to prevent your lungs from getting damaged.

People suffering from COPD should visit the general healthcare practitioner instantly and opt for early diagnosis. This is likely to help in preventing deaths from COPD.

Source: http://www.ballymenatimes.com/, dated  18^th November 2012