COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a long term disease of the lungs which causes shortness of breath and includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is one of the leading causes of death and preventable hospitalisation in Australia and places a heavy burden on patients and the healthcare system.
While there is no cure for COPD, the disease can be managed to help people breathe easier, stay out of hospital and improve their quality of life particularly if the disease is identified and managed early. The Australian Lung Foundation encourages those with symptoms of breathlessness and regular productive cough to see their doctor and ask for a simple lung function test.
These 'Speaking from Experience' video clips offer first-hand experiences from people living with COPD. They discuss the impact it has had on their lives and the ways they manage the condition. It was produced in partnership with The Australian Lung Foundation.
Last reviewed: 2016
Click on the Animations tab to view 3D medical animations about this illness.
