Source: Asthma and Respiratory Foundation
A new handbook to help those living with a severe respiratory condition has been released to mark World COPD Day.
COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – is an umbrella term for the conditions emphysema, chronic bronchitis and long-standing asthma and it affects hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders.
About 15% of adults aged over 45 years live with COPD and it is the fourth leading cause of death in NZ.
This new handbook, written by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ, aims to provide information about COPD – from the various symptoms you may experience, to the different types of treatment and medication used to manage the condition. It also provides tips and advice about how to manage your COPD symptoms and improve your quality of life.
The handbook is based on the current best practice New Zealand guidelines, which were published in 2021 for use by health professionals. They were aimed at improving diagnosis and laying out clear recommendations for assessment and management of COPD.
Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ Education & Development Manager Ms Joanna Turner says she hopes the handbook will serve as a helpful guide for those living with COPD, as well as their family and fri
