Smokers and quitters are being urged to have a lung check for a disease that causes wheezing and a persistent cold.
 
A survey involving 400 people for the British Lung Foundation found 73% had not had a lung function test despite the fact that 21% were experiencing symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
 
About every fifth one complained of breathlessness while walking up a slight hill, while 8% had to stop and take a breath while walking on the flat.
 
CPOD can lead to a persistent cough, breathlessness, wheezy chest, excessive phlegm, recurrent chest infections and chest pain.
 
About 3.7 million people in the UK have the condition but only 900,000 are diagnosed presently. The British Lung Foundation is requesting people to have a 10-minute lung function test which does not hurt and involves blowing into a tube.
 
“I support the British Lung Foundation's 'Love Your Lungs' campaign as I think it is really worrying that many smokers or ex-smokers are experiencing early symptoms of COPD such as a persistent cough or breathlessness, yet haven't seen their GP for a lung function test.”, said GP and broadcaster Carol Cooper.
 
A lot of smokers suffer from the ‘smoker’s cough’ which is a clear sign of ill-health. They should get themselves checked as early as they can because they can be treated better if they are diagnosed earlier.

(Image Source: medicineworld.org)