Lung test campaign by charity

‘DON’T ignore breathlessness’ is the message behind a hard-hitting new health campaign that will be launched today in Glasgow.

People in Glasgow are being urged to be aware of the warning signs of lung disease.

The city has one of the highest rates in the UK, with 31,000 people affected by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The British Lung Foundation has launched a new digital advertising campaign today at bus stops in the east and north east of the city, where rates of COPD are highest.

The ads will encourage people to take an online breath test.

The interactive test asks 10 questions based around the Medical Research Council (MRC) breathlessness scale and advice from leading respiratory physicians.

So far, more than 200,000 people have taken the test across the UK and 33% have gone on to check their symptoms out with a GP.

Irene Johnstone, Head of Scotland, British Lung Foundation said:“Over a million people in Scotland are living with lung disease, and the statistics for Glasgow are particularly worrying.

“Despite this, many people are unaware of how common lung disease is and, crucially, what the symptoms are.

“We all feel short of breath sometimes. That’s normal. But sometimes it can be a sign of something more serious. Early diagnosis and treatment is the key to preventing irreversible lung damage. So if you’re feeling breathless on a daily basis, don’t dismiss it.”

The BLF has written to GPs advising them of the campaign and asking for their support in raising awareness.

Try the test at blf.org. uk/breathtest