Lung disease? How to avoid a flare-up during the colder months

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a serious, progressive condition that limits airflow in the lungs. It is the umbrella term for a range of lung diseases which can't be fully reversed even with medication, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic asthma.

The main cause of COPD is active smoking or exposure to smoking, however other causes may be involved, such as smoke from burning fuels of plant or animal origin, outdoor air pollution, fumes and dust in the workplace, childhood respiratory infections and chronic asthma. COPD may also be associated with other chronic conditions such as respiratory cancers, diabetes and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

COPD is the most common cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia and winter months can be a dangerous time for someone who has COPD as catching colds and the flu can put them at risk of a flare-up.

According to the Lung Foundation, now more than ever, it is important to stay well and out of hospital to avoid adding extra strain on our hospitals while they fight the pandemic.

Each flare-up also does further damage to the lungs and the Foundation is stressing the importance of recognising the early signs of a flare-up and having an action plan to ensure faster treatment and a quicker and better recovery.

Early signs of a flare-up include:

The Foundation has developed a COPD Action Plan to help sufferers recognise when symptoms change and what action is needed.

People with COPD can take the action plan with them to their GP to fill in.

Download the COPD Action Plan here or call 1800-654-301.

According to the Lung Foundation about one in seven Australians aged 40 years and over have COPD but around half may not know.

COPD is the second leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions.

The prevalence of COPD increases with age, mostly occurring in people aged 45 and over.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare in 2015-16, COPD cost the Australian health system an estimated $976.9 million, representing 24 per cent of disease expenditure on respiratory conditions and 0.8 per cent of total disease expenditure.

Symptoms for COPD tend to come on gradually over a couple of years and people who unknowingly have COPD may mistake their symptoms as signs of ageing, lack of fitness or asthma.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have approximately 2.5 times the rate of COPD as other Australians.