Lung Foundation

Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious chronic lung condition that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

The Australian Lung Foundation estimates that two million Australians have COPD. Of these, over one million have COPD that is severe enough that symptoms are starting to or have already affected the way people live their daily lives. Alarmingly of those people who have COPD, 75% do not know they have COPD and, therefore, are not taking the important steps to control their symptoms and slow down the progress of this disabling condition.

Breathlessness, a key symptom of COPD, creeps up on people slowly. Symptoms may begin with not being able to run to catch the train or play with young children. However, breathlessness can worsen to a stage where everyday tasks, such as hanging out the washing or walking to get the mail, become nearly impossible.

If you have COPD, the good news is that there are steps you can take to control the symptoms of COPD and slow down the progressive damage to your lungs.

‘Better Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Patient Guide' outlines the important steps that will make you feel better, such as:

• Enrolling in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• Quitting smoking.
• Maintaining a healthy diet.
• Understanding your medications.
• Joining a support group.
• Developing an action plan.
• Discussing immunisation with your doctor.

‘Better Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Patient Guide' is made available on this website in three different formats:

1. By chapter – each chapter PDF can be opened and downloaded separately. See Contents 

2. A low res (7MB) print resolution version of the entire Handbook. See Contents  

3. A high resolution (36MB) print ready version that is suitable for sending to a commercial printer. See Contents   

For more information about this Patient Guide and how to use it, contact The Australian Lung Foundation (phone: 1800 654 301 or Web site http://www.lungfoundation.com.au/) or speak to your pulmonary rehabilitation coordinator.

To download the order form please click on the link below, then fax the completed form to 07 3852 5487, or mail to PO Box 847, Lutwyche QLD 4030

 Order Payment Form for Better Living with COPD – A Patient Guide 2010 75.53 Kb

‘Better Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Patient Guide’ is a funded project of the Statewide COPD Clinical Network,

Clinical Practice Improvement Centre, Queensland Health and The Australian Lung Foundation, COPD National Program.

© The State of Queensland (Queensland Health) and The Australian Lung Foundation 2008

The Queensland Government and The Australian Lung Foundation supports and encourages the dissemination and exchange of information. However, copyright protects this material. The State of Queensland and The Australian Lung Foundation have no objection to this material being reproduced, or being made available online or electronically, but only if they are recognised as the owners and this material remains unaltered.

Inquiries to adapt this material should be addressed by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

ISBN 978-1-921447-43-3

Disclaimer

The materials presented in this resource are distributed by Queensland Health and The Australian Lung Foundation for and on behalf of the Queensland Government and is presented as an information source only. The information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters presented herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information. The information does not constitute professional advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal advice from appropriate advisers should be sought in particular matters.

Clinical material published in these pages does not replace clinical judgement. Treatment must be altered if not clinically appropriate.

Queensland Health and The Australian Lung Foundation do not accept liability to any person for the information or advice provided in this resource, or incorporated into it by reference or for loss or damages incurred as a result of reliance upon the material contained in this resource.

In no event shall Queensland Health and The Australian Lung Foundation be liable (including liability for negligence) for any damages (including without limitation, direct, indirect, punitive, special or consequential) whatsoever arising out of a person’s use of, access to or inability to use or access this resource or any other resource linked to this resource.

‘Better Living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Patient Guide’ is a funded project of the Statewide COPD Clinical Network, Clinical Practice Improvement Centre, Queensland Health and The Australian Lung Foundation, COPD National Program.

Content Updated August 7, 2009