COPD Programme

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is the name used to describe a number of long-term lung problems which can make breathing difficult. Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema are among the most common causes of COPD.

Chronic Bronchitis is inflammation and swelling of the air passages (bronchi), over a prolonged time. Excess mucus or phlegm is produced which you have to try to cough up.

Emphysema occurs when the little air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are damaged. As air sacs are destroyed, the lungs are able to transfer less and less oxygen to the bloodstream. This causes shortness of breath.

Both of these conditions can co-exist and patients can have symptoms which relate to both, hence the use of the general term COPD.

What Causes COPD?

In COPD a person’s airways are permanently damaged, usually due to prolonged irritation. The primary cause is smoking, however, occupational or environmental factors, such as dust or chemicals, and some inherited problems can also cause COPD.

What are the Symptoms of COPD?

COPD happens gradually. It can be tolerated for many years before the symptoms reach a level that will make the sufferer seek advice. Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath are often attributed to “getting older”.

In mild forms of COPD, breathlessness may only occur walking up a hill or stairs, or a cough and phlegm is only noticed after a cold or in winter. However in severe cases, breathlessness can occur walking slowly along flat ground and even normal daily tasks and activities are difficult.

People with COPD can be prone to chest infections because excess mucus in the lungs provides good environment for bacteria to grow.

What we do

South Belfast highway to Health run regular COPD programmes in each of the target areas. Those suffering from COPD benifit from information, advice and exercise.

Areas of high and enduring levels of deprivation and associated unemployment tend to have greater levels of COPD. South Belfast Highway to Health target areas are rated amoung the highest in Northern Irelands social deprivation index, and therfore it is not supprising to find high COPD levels.
There is not enough research to fully understand to how much greater the problem of COPD is within the target areas, but it can be assumed with confidence it is a significant one.

Below are links to census information on each of South Belfast Highway to Health’s target areas

• Lower Ormeau (Botanic Ward SOA 5) click here
• Sandy Row (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 2) click here
• Donegall Pass (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 2) click here
• The Markets (Shaftsbury Ward SOA 1) click here
• The Village (Blackstaff Ward) click here

Useful websites

www.nichsa.com
www.patient.co.uk
www.lunguk.org