Love Your Lungs week runs from June 21 -27 and is an initiative to raise awareness and focus on lung health.
Somebody dies from lung disease every five minutes and the British Lung Foundation are campaigning for cleaner air.
In Scotland, nine out 10 people want smoking banned near schools, according to the charity Asthma and Lung UK Scotland, as they highlight that passive smoking is particularly dangerous children as their lungs are still growing. Inhaling second-hand smoke also increases their risk of developing asthma.
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It has also been found that over 9000 deaths are attributed to smoking in Scotland each year, accounting for 16 per cent of all Scottish deaths.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties.
The NHS warn that COPD can get gradually worse over time and mainly affects middle aged to older adults who smoke.
Without treatment it could get worse and the person may experience flareups or exacerbation.
Although COPD is often caused by smoking, it can also occur after long-term exposure to harmful fumes or dust or as a result to a rare genetic issue where you may be more susceptible.
The main symptoms of COPD
- Increasing breathlessness, particularly when you're active.
- A persistent chesty cough with phlegm – some people may dismiss this as just a "smoker's cough".
- Frequent chest infections.
- Persistent wheezing.
The NHS warn that COPD damage is permanent but there are treatments that can help slow down the progression.
Treatments for COPD
- Stopping smoking – if you have COPD and you smoke, this is the most important thing you can do.
- Inhalers and medicines – to help make breathing easier.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation – a specialised programme of exercise and education.
- Surgery or a lung transplant – although this is only an option for a very small number of people.
