Winter appeal to Louth people living with COPD
With the recent surge in COVID-19, COPD Support Ireland are calling on people living in Louth who have been diagnosed with the condition to take a number of key steps to protect their health this winter
COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, is perhaps more familiar to readers of the Argus as chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
According to the most recent statistics, there were 1,159 people from Louth hospitalised as a result of COPD between 2016 and 2018.
Each winter there is an increase in emergency admissions to hospital due to respiratory conditions with COPD the most common cause.
COPD Support Ireland are now urging Louth people who are living with the condition to take a number of key steps to keep ahead of their COPD.
A spokesperson for the charity said that one of the most important steps to take if you are coping with the condition is to make sure to get the pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations this year.
It is also essential to have an adequate supply of medication during the winter months.
‘And don’t delay in seeking help if feeling unwell. Get in touch with a GP straightaway to be treated early.’
To mark World COPD Day, COPD Support Ireland is hosting a virtual wellness conference ‘Living well with COPD in a COVID world’ which will take place on Saturday November 21, from 1-4pm.
Registration is free and anyone living with the condition are encouraged to take the opportunity to sign up at www.copd.ie
‘It has been a very tough year for everyone. It has been even more so for people with COPD who have had to isolate themselves from the outside world,’ said the spokesman.
‘COPD Support Ireland will continue to be here for people with COPD, and to support them during these uncertain times.’
COPD Support Ireland has produced a COPD information pack which can be ordered for free delivery by texting the word “COPD”, plus name and address to 51444 (standard network charges apply).
Alternatively, call our COPD Adviceline on Freefone 1800 83 21 46 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) to receive a call-back from a specialist respiratory nurse.