Check Up - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

You may have heard of chronic bronchitis, or of emphysema, but to doctors they are both different aspects of what they call chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD. Both these conditions mean that the airways in the lung are damaged and it becomes hard for the air to get in and out, causing breathlessness. COPD is the third biggest cause of respiratory death, and the fifth biggest killer overall, in the UK. COPD is caused mainly by smoking, but also by airborne pollution. It can also be the result of an inherited genetic deficiency. If you or someone you know is worried that their cough or shortness of breath may be a sign of a long term chronic disease then call the programme for advice. Barbara Myers is joined by consultant Dr Keith Prowse to take listerners' calls on the symptoms of COPD, and the treatments available.