COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive, treatable disease characterised by limited airflow in and out of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In 2016, it affected more than 250 million people worldwide with numbers predicted to increase in the coming years. While there is no cure, the condition can be well managed, typically with daily inhaler therapy. The earlier COPD is detected and treatment is initiated, the better the results. Key goals of COPD management are to limit symptoms, reduce the risk of exacerbations (flare-ups where symptoms worsen) and support people to live more active lives.
Asthma
Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Patients suffer from wheezing, breathlessness and coughing particularly at night or in the early hours of the morning. This can affect the patient’s physical, social and professional lives significantly. Asthma is often seen as an easy to manage condition but it is known that 1 in 2 asthma patients still have symptoms despite current treatment. An exacerbation of asthma, which is more commonly called an asthma attack, can be triggered by factors such as respiratory infections, environmental and atmospheric conditions.