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COPD: a little known illness that affects 1.2 million people in the UK

COPD: a little known illness that affects 1.2 million people in the UK
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that is caused by smoking in 85% of cases, and which affects approximately 1.2 million people in the UK. The real number is likely to be much higher, as it is estimated that only one third of people are diagnosed. In concrete terms, COPD is pulmonary problem characterised by a slowly progressive obstruction of the airways and lungs. 

Need for respiratory assistance

Living in slow motion, becoming breathless with the slightest effort, and suffering from fatigue are among the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many people affected are compelled to live with respiratory assistance. Smokers double their risk of developing a COPD by the age of 65.

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To avoid needing to use an oxygen tank 24 hours a day, it is possible to attend respiratory physiotherapy three times a week. Physical exercise is also strongly recommended, and all that is needed is 20 minutes of walking every day, and a little gymnastics or yoga to train the muscles that need to work instead of the lungs, to bring oxygen to the body.

Respiration techniques in the case of COPD

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  • Breathe in slowly through your nose until you feel your lungs filling with air.
  • Purse your lips as if to blow out a candle.
  • Breathe out slowly, without forcing it, keeping your lips pursed. Make sure you allow the out-breath to last longer than the in-breath. Don’t force your lungs to empty fully.

Sources : France TV InfoBPCO, Fondation du Souffle