Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions. They cause breathing difficulties caused by long-term lung damage.
The most common forms of COPD include:
- chronic bronchitis. This is inflammation of the airways of the lungs, called bronchi
- emphysema. This is damage to the smaller airways and air sacs of the lungs, called alveoli
- chronic asthma. This is asthma that has been uncontrolled for a long time
The symptoms can include:
- often being short of breath (chronic breathlessness)
- having a cough for a long time
- coughing up saliva and mucus (sputum)
COPD is a common condition. The main risk factors are smoking tobacco and inhaling other toxic particles. Some people have a genetic risk factor for COPD, but this is rare.
Our COPD service
We use a wide range of tests and therapies to help diagnosis COPD and find the best treatment for you.
We work with other healthcare professionals. Together, we consider your needs as an individual (holistic).
We offer clinics with consultants and nurse specialists.
These clinics take place weekly at St Mary’s, Charing Cross and at community sites for patients registered with a GP in Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster.
Resources
Use these resources to help manage your COPD and to look after yourself in winter and beyond.
Speak to an interpreter: to get help about COPD in a language other than English call the Asthma + Lung UK helpiline here.
Pulmonary rehabilitation service
Information on COPD (Asthma + Lung UK)
Information on breathlessness (Asthma + Lung UK)
How to clear your airway
- Learn about the active cycle of breathing technique (YouTube video)
NHS vaccinations
- COVID-19 vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Pneumococcal vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- RSV vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Shingles vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
How to use your inhaler (Asthma + Lung UK)
Avoiding infection
- Top tips for winter 2022-23 (nwlondonicb.nhs.uk)
- Winter lung health (Asthma + Lung UK)
Stopping smoking
- How to Quit Smoking (Stop Smoking London)
- What's the best vape to quit smoking? (Stop Smoking London)
Eating well for your lungs
- Eating well with a lung condition (Asthma + Lung UK)
- Live Well - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Planning your care
- NHS social care and support guide (www.nhs.uk)
- Green Doctors London
In person support (Asthma + Lung UK)
- Singing for Lung Health Charing Cross Hospital
- Westminster Asthma + Lung UK Support Group
- Hammersmith & Fulham Asthma + Lung UK Support Group
- Singing for Lung Health Chelsea
Online support
- Asthma + Lung UK groups and forums