Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects millions of people across the globe, yet it often remains misunderstood or overlooked. Raising awareness, encouraging early intervention, and providing the right support, both medically and in the workplace, can make a significant difference to those living with the condition.
What Is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term condition that affects the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which cause damage to the airways and reduce the lungs’ capacity to take in oxygen.
COPD develops gradually and often worsens over time, but with the right support and management, people can live active and fulfilling lives.
Common Causes of COPD
The main cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways. In the UK, around 9 in 10 cases are linked to smoking. Other causes and risk factors can include:
- Long-term exposure to dust, fumes, or air pollution
- A genetic condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (in rare cases)
- A history of frequent chest infections
Reducing exposure to these irritants is key to slowing down progression and, therefore, improving quality of life.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Early signs of COPD can be easy to overlook or mistake for other conditions. Common symptoms include:
- Breathlessness, especially during physical activity
- A persistent chesty cough
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections
- Fatigue
These symptoms may develop slowly, so it’s important for anyone experiencing them to speak to their GP. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference.
Smoking Cessation: Taking the First Step Toward Better Lung Health
Since smoking is the leading cause of COPD, stopping smoking is the most effective way to prevent or slow the disease’s progression. Quitting isn’t easy, but support is available.
Helpful resources include:
- NHS Stop Smoking Services: Free one-to-one or group support with trained advisors.
- Quit Smoking Apps: NHS “Smoke Free” app offers daily motivation and tracking.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): Patches, gum, lozenges and sprays can help reduce cravings.
- GP Support: Doctors can offer prescriptions, counselling referrals, or medication to help you quit.
Encouraging employees who smoke to access these services not only benefits their personal health but can also lead to improved energy levels, productivity, and overall wellbeing at work.
How Acorn Occupational Health Can Help
At Acorn Occupational Health, we understand that living or working with a long-term condition like COPD can be challenging, both for employees and employers.
While we can’t diagnose COPD, we can help employers support staff who have been diagnosed or are experiencing symptoms that may affect their work.
Through our management referral process, our clinicians can:
- Review how COPD symptoms may impact the employee’s ability to perform their role.
- Recommend reasonable workplace adjustments such as modified duties, flexible working arrangements, or air quality considerations.
- Advise on strategies to reduce triggers, fatigue, and absenteeism.
- Support the employee’s ongoing health and wellbeing at work.
Our goal is to help both employers and employees find practical solutions that promote a safe, supportive, and productive workplace.
Contact Us
If you’d like to learn more about how Acorn’s management referrals can support employees with long-term health conditions such as COPD, please get in touch with our team:
📞 01260 277797
📧 website@acornoh.co.uk