Asbestos Claims News
| To have the newsletter emailed to you each month please subscribe by clicking on the following link - subscribe |
World COPD Day 2012
Today, Wednesday 16th November, is World COPD Day. COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a term used for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is a condition which progresses over time and cannot be cured. It causes approximately 30,000 people a year in the UK - more than breast, bowel or prostate cancer and there are currently about 3.7 million people in the UK affected by the condition. The problem lies in that many people are unaware that they are suffering with the disease. It is estimated that only 900,000 people have actually been formally diagnosed.
Early diagnosis of COPD can help slow down the progression of the disease and help people manage their symptoms in order that they can continue to live normally for longer.
World COPD Day is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. The aim of the day is to increase awareness of COPD and improve the care provided to those suffering with the disease. The British Lung Foundation is involved in campaigning for the day and focuses on encouraging people to get tested and, where relevant, obtain a formal diagnosis.
You can carry out a “Breath Test” on the British Lung Foundation’s website. The link is below.
| http://www.lunguk.org/media-and-campaigning/world-copd-day/breath_test |
The most common cause of COPD is smoking but can also be caused by some occupational factors such as coal dust for which compensation may be claimed.
COPD is not caused by exposure to asbestos, however, it is common for people to suffer with both COPD and a restrictive lung disability which may be as a result of an asbestos related condition such as asbestosis or pleural thickening. When obtaining a diagnosis, the doctor should be asked to clarify whether this is the case.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition such as asbestosis or pleural thickening, or mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancer, we can offer you advice in relation to claiming compensation. Please contact our helpline on 0800 058 2737 and we will be happy to help you.