Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
Obstructive lung disease, is thought to affect 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 40, and up to 30% of Australians over the age of 75. It is a common cause of morbidity in our community. Emphysema is one of the possible sub-types of COPD. COPD is preventable and treatable. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause, although there are also genetic causes (alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) and environmental causes.
Common symptoms of COPD could include:
- Shortness of breath
- Less able to perform usual activities
- Productive cough (especially first thing upon waking)
- Chest tightness
- Recurrent chest infections
The treatment of COPD is a constantly changing landscape with new developments every year.
Dr Wilsmore is one of only a few physicians in Melbourne offering some of these treatments.
For more information on this condition, we recommend you visit Australian Lung Foundation.