COPD Awareness Month: Symptoms, Facts and Support

COPD Awareness Month - A Guide to Understanding the Condition

November marks COPD Awareness Month, but if you or someone close to you have recently been diagnosed, we know that understanding this condition is a priority every single day, not just once a year. Receiving a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease can feel overwhelming, but understanding its symptoms and knowing how to manage it can help you to feel more in control of the condition.

COPD affects millions of people globally. The good news is that while this is a long-term condition, it is also very manageable. With the right treatment plan, clear guidance, and a supportive healthcare team behind you, it is entirely possible to maintain a high quality of life and keep enjoying the moments that matter.

Whether you are researching for yourself or looking for ways to support people with this condition, we’re here to help. We’ve put together this guide to help you explore the facts, understand the symptoms, and find practical ways to protect your lung health.

What Is COPD?

At 121 Pharmacy, we often find that patients are familiar with the acronym COPD, but less sure about what is happening inside the body. COPD stands for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. It is a group of lung conditions - primarily chronic bronchitis and emphysema - that affect your breathing.

When you have COPD, the airways become inflamed, and the lungs lose some of their springiness. This can make everyday activities feel more tiring than they used to be. However, knowing exactly what is happening is the first step to managing it. While there is no cure at present, modern treatments are very effective at opening up those airways and helping you breathe more freely.

Common Symptoms of COPD

COPD symptoms often develop gradually, which means they can be easy to miss at first. Recognising symptoms early is important, though, because treatment is most effective when started sooner.

Common symptoms include:

• A persistent cough
• Frequent chest infections
• Breathlessness during activity
• Wheezing
• Excess mucus or phlegm
• Feeling tired or lacking energy

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is important to speak with a GP for an early assessment.

What Causes COPD?

COPD doesn’t happen overnight - it is usually the result of breathing in harmful substances over decades.

• Tobacco Smoke is a major trigger for COPD. Over time, smoke damages the cilia (tiny hairs that clear mucus) and irritates the airway lining.
• Occupational Hazards such as breathing in coal dust, silica, or chemical fumes over a career can lead to lung damage.
• Early Life Factors such as severe respiratory infections in childhood can make lungs more vulnerable later in life.

Understanding the root cause helps your healthcare team tailor your treatment plan and advice.

COPD Facts

Knowledge is important in the management of COPD. Here are some facts that highlight why managing lung health is so important:

• Prevention Power - Stopping smoking is the single most effective way to stop COPD from getting worse - at any stage of the illness.
• Hidden Prevalence - Thousands of people in the UK are living with undiagnosed COPD. Recognising symptoms early can change the course of the disease.
• Exercise Helps - It might seem contradictory, but regular, gentle physical activity helps maintain lung function and reduces breathlessness.
• Vaccines Matter - People with COPD are more vulnerable to flu complications, which is why your local pharmacy prioritises you for winter vaccinations.

How COPD Is Diagnosed

Many people put off seeing a doctor because they are worried about what they might find. However, receiving a correct diagnosis is actually a positive step - it is the moment you can stop wondering and start managing.

Diagnosis usually involves a breathing test (spirometry) and a review of your symptoms. Once we know it is COPD, we can move straight to creating a management plan that suits your life. The sooner we know, the sooner we can help you breathe easier.

Treatment and Management of COPD

While there is no cure for COPD yet, it is highly manageable. The treatment is simple and its aim is to keep you active and feeling your best.

• Inhalers - These are key to your treatment. They relax the airways to help you breathe more freely. Your pharmacist can show you exactly how to use them to get the most benefit.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation - This is a specialised programme of exercise and education. It is incredibly effective at boosting confidence and reducing breathlessness.
• Healthy Habits - Small changes make a big difference with COPD. Staying active, eating well, and keeping up with flu and pneumonia vaccines are powerful ways to protect your lungs.

How to Support COPD Awareness Month

There are many meaningful ways to support COPD Awareness Month:

• Share reliable information to help others recognise COPD symptoms
• Encourage loved ones who smoke to seek stop smoking support
• Highlight the importance of early diagnosis
• Support charities and organisations working to improve lung health
• Spread awareness through community events or social media
• Check in with someone you know who lives with COPD

Small actions can help reduce stigma, improve understanding, and inspire change.

Managing COPD With the Support of Your Local Pharmacy

Pharmacies play a vital role in helping people with COPD manage their condition. At 121 Pharmacy, our team can offer advice on inhaler technique, medicines, symptom relief, and general wellbeing.

Speaking to a pharmacist can also help you feel more confident in managing your condition, especially during winter when respiratory infections are more common.

Join the Conversation

COPD Awareness Month is about raising standards of care for everyone. By understanding the condition and letting friends and family know about the support available, you can make a real difference to your daily life. Let’s prioritise your lungs today.