COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the name used for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, including:

• emphysema – damage to the air sacs in the lungs
• chronic bronchitis – long-term inflammation of the airways

COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults, particularly those who smoke, and many people do not realise they have it.

Breathing problems tend to get gradually worse over time and can limit your normal activities, although treatment can help keep the condition under control.

To see what the NHS says about COPD, please click here

Getting a new inhaler can be confusing, and may require a different technique to any other inhalers you may have. Please click here to visit asthma.org where you can find useful short videos to help you use your inhaler correctly.

Empty cannisters should be returned to your pharmacy for safe disposal, but plastic caps may be recycled at home.

Smoking is the main cause of COPD and is thought to be responsible for around 9 in 10 cases.

The harmful chemicals in smoke damages the lining of the lungs and airways. 

Stopping smoking can help slow down or prevent further damage to your lungs.

Adults with COPD are more likely to get complications from the flu.

COPD causes your airways to swell and become blocked with mucus, which can make it hard to breathe. 

Vaccines are one of the safest ways for you to protect your health, even if you are taking prescription medications. Vaccine side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Severe side effects are very rare.

Immunization provides the best protection against vaccine-preventable diseases.

Ask your COPD nurse what vaccines are recommended for you and your condition.