1,200 living with lung disease

UP to 1,200 people in Warrington could be living with undiagnosed and untreated Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) according to latest figures.
COPD is a serious lung disease that causes breathing difficulties. Evidence shows that more people die of it each year than bowel, breast or prostate cancer, and that many people do not realise that they have the disease.
Warrington Clinical Commissioning Group is raising awareness of the illness, as early diagnosis can prevent people from needing hospital treatment and help beat symptoms.
A simple breathing test that provides individuals with a lung age is available and can pick up early signs of the disease. Warrington Wolves and mascot Wolfie are backing the campaign.
Screening sessions are to be held over the next few weeks, where people can be tested and get advice from experts.
Penketh GP Dr Dan Bunstone said: “COPD is a serious lung disease that can make it difficult for people to breathe. If you’re increasingly short of breath, have a chronic cough, regularly coughing up phlegm, experiencing wheezing or chest tightness, then it is important you visit your GP, as these can all be symptoms of COPD.
“We’re aiming to identify as many people as possible through this campaign and screening programme, which will improve people’s quality of life in the long term.”
Information on the disease and local screening sessions are available from GPs and by visiting www.copdaware.co.uk
COPD screenings will take place at:
Bath Street Health and Wellbeing Centre, Legh Street, Thursday November 29, 10am to 3pm, Saturday December 8, 10am to 2pm.
Orford Jubilee Park Health Centre, Winwick Road, Wednesday December 5, 10am to 2pm
Information sessions will be held at Asda Birchwood on Thursday November 29 and Asda, Westbrook, on Friday November 30.