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This week it’s “Love Your Lungs Week”. A campaign run by the British Lung Foundation and this year it takes place between 22 and 28 June. Its aim is to raise awareness of the importance of lung health together with various lung conditions and their treatment.
Nothing comes more naturally than breathing. We do it from the moment we take that very first breath on entering the world until our last. Breathing is something we do naturally and take for granted, without really thinking about it.
It’s not that way for everyone, though. For some, it’s a laboured, scary process where each breath is an effort and the ability to lead a normal, active life is restricted.
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) covers a group of lung conditions that make it difficult to empty air out of the lungs because the airways have become narrowed.
Two of the most common conditions are emphysema and bronchitis with symptoms which include shortage of breath, especially when active; a chesty cough; wheezing and being prone to frequent chest infections. If you have any of these symptoms, then a visit to the doctor is essential. Of course, if you are a smoker, you will be advised to quit and there’s help available to you for this.
Coping with a lung disease during this Coronavirus epidemic has led to additional problems for many, as the virus impacts the respiratory system. Most people with COPD have been “shielding”, as they are particularly vulnerable and need to stay away from Covid-19.
The British Lung Foundation website is full of useful hints and tips on keeping your lungs healthy and functioning well. You can also donate to help support their ongoing research programmes – a worthy cause indeed.