Asthma fight has an impact
A dedicated group of volunteers are helping the region’s asthma sufferers breathe a little easier.
The Clyde Valley Breathe Easy Group has been running for the last 13 years, meeting on the first Thursday of every month at the Wishawhill Community Centre in Wishaw.
Last week marked World Asthma Day around the world, and the condition - which affects peoples’ airways that carry air in and out of the lungs - is one of the most common causes that leads people to the group.
More than 360,000 people in Scotland suffer from asthma, including 72,000 children, and current chairperson Christine Holliday says the group is the best place to help support people in Wishaw who are diagnosed with the condition.
She said: “Asthma is one of the most prevalent causes for people to join the group.
“The most common symptoms of Asthma are shortness of breath and a bad cough.
“At our meetings we discuss the illness, especially with new members. Often people who have just been diagnosed have no idea how best to deal with it.
“If you have a cough for more than six weeks it is vital you go to the doctor because getting it diagnosed is so important.”
If asthma is not treated with prescribed medicine, symptoms can get worse which in extreme cases can lead to a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.
Asthma can also cause mental health issues if not managed correctly as sufferers, especially children, can feel isolated and different from their peers.
The group cover a range of other lung-related illness, including COPD, emphysema and asbestos- related lung damage.
Christine, who suffered from COPD herself before being diagnosed with empysema, believes the group has a wide-ranging positive impact on those struggling with lung conditions.
She added: “It’s a very important group to us.
“Not all of our members are computer savvy. It’s much easier for some of them to give out information by leaflets and from speaking directly to us.
“Exercise and keeping moving is one of the best ways to combat lung problems, particularly outdoors.
“We encourage our members to keep active and organise trips and events to stay busy.
“There’s also a social side to the group. There’s shared experience and it’s great for people to realise they are not facing their problems alone.”
For more information, visit www.blf. org.uk/support-in-your-area/breatheeasy-clyde-valley-support-group or call 0300 303 0253.