Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is costing the Australian health system an estimated $24.98 billion each year, yet awareness of this condition remains very low.
Marking the 24th annual World COPD Day on November 19, Lung Foundation Australia, the nation’s peak body for lung health is calling on Australians to take control of their lung health by recognising the signs of COPD and to ask their GP for a breathing test called spirometry.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said COPD affects around 1 in 13 people over 40 years of age and more than half of them remain undiagnosed.
“COPD is a hidden crisis in Australia. Half a million people are living with it, and more than half don’t even know it. That’s hundreds of thousands of people missing out on treatment and support that could save their lives and reduce pressure on our hospitals,” Mr Brooke said.
“If you’ve noticed ongoing breathlessness, a persistent cough or trouble keeping up with everyday activities, talk to your GP and ask for a spirometry test. An accurate diagnosis can be life changing.”
Spirometry is a non-invasive breathing test that measures how well the lung work and remains the gold standard for diagnosing COPD. Early diagnosis allows people to begin evidence-based treatment, reduce flare-ups and maintain an active lifestyle.
Mr Brooke said stigma and a lack of understanding continue to prevent people from seeking help.
“COPD isn’t just a disease for people who smoked. It can affect anyone, and can be caused by poor air quality, workplace exposures and even frequent respiratory infections,” he said.
“What matters most is recognising the symptoms early and getting the right treatment and support. By improving awareness and early diagnosis, we can help Australians breathe easier and reduce the enormous cost to our health system.”
This month, Lung Foundation Australia hosted a Parliamentary Friends of Lung Health event to mark World COPD Day, supported by Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP, highlighting the urgent need to elevate COPD as a national health priority, increase awareness of lung disease and drive reform in early detection and stigma-free care.
Lung Foundation Australia encourages individuals living with COPD, their families, and their carers to take control of their health with the My COPD Checklist.
The My COPD Checklist is designed to fill crucial knowledge gaps for people living with COPD who may not realise there are actions they can take to improve their lung health.
Diagnosed with emphysema, a type of COPD, in her early 60s, Sheryl Jones from regional Victoria knew how hard it was going to be, having dealt with severe asthma her whole life and understanding the impact poor lung health can have on daily living.
“I was scared-stiff to think of something happening to me when I don’t have many people around and don’t know anyone else with COPD,” she said.
This isolation prompted Sheryl to reach out to Lung Foundation Australia, who ensured she would not be alone in navigating life with COPD and were in touch every step of the way.
“The nurses from LFA called me every 2-3 months, which made me proactive in doing everything I could to treat my emphysema. Just knowing they were there made me feel a lot calmer. They put me on the right track; I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Lung Foundation Australia’s My COPD Checklist is available online and is an easy online tool to help people live better with the condition.
For more information on lung health or to speak to one of the Lung Foundation Australia nurses call our free Lung Health Helpline on 1800 654 301.
Was this page helpful?
Good job! Please give your positive feedback
How could we improve this post? Please Help us.
