Breathing tests in Inverness for lung conditions
NHS Highland staff will be offering breathing tests to the public at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness on Wednesday, 18th November.
NHS Highland staff will be offering breathing tests to the public at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness on Wednesday, 18th November.
The tests are being offered as part of World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day – which aims to raise awareness of the condition.
COPD is an umbrella term for a group of conditions which cause long-term damage to the airways such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema and lung damage caused by chronic asthma.
NHS Highland COPD nurse specialist Elaine Finlayson said: “There are 100,000 people across Scotland currently diagnosed with COPD; however there is very little awareness of the condition. World COPD Day seeks to address that.
“COPD is a chronic condition, which means there is no cure; COPD usually worsens over time. However there are treatments available which can ease your symptoms and there is a lot that you can do to help yourself and prevent further damage to your airways.
“Getting the right treatment early can slow down the effects of COPD and keep you healthier for longer. As part of World COPD Day, we will be at the Eastgate Shopping Centre in Inverness on Wednesday 18th November between 9am and 4pm offering free pulmonary function tests.”
This test can help identify if you have or at risk of developing COPD, especially if:
You’re a smoker or ex-smoker - You have a frequent cough - You cough-up phlegm or mucus most days - You get out of breath easily - Are over 35 years of age
Elaine continued: “If you answered ‘yes’ to three or more of the above questions, we would encourage you to speak to your GP as soon as possible. By having that conversation with your GP earlier, treatment can be started sooner and more people will have a greater chance of making changes which can improve their quality of life.”