On Wednesday, 18 November, shoppers and visitors at Whiteleys shopping centre in Queensway, London had the opportunity to receive free lung health screening by some of the country's leading respiratory doctors.
Marking the eighth annual World COPD Day, experts from Royal Brompton Hospital were available to give advice about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - a term that covers a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Leading the awareness day at Whiteleys, Professor Michael Polkey, consultant respiratory physician at Royal Brompton Hospital, said:
"COPD is a long-term, incurable condition that can have serious effects on health and quality of life. Without treatment, patients can become breathless during everyday activities such as climbing a flight of stairs, or even getting washed and dressed in the morning.
"Many people are unaware that they are living with this potentially life threatening disease. The purpose of the lung testing at Whiteleys was to help find these missing millions. Without early diagnosis and treatment these lives will be lost or severely restricted."
Information on how to quit smoking and heart and lung 'fitness' were also provided with literature available to take home.
