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What is COPD?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term lung condition that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It causes the airways in the lungs to narrow, making it harder to breathe. COPD often develops after years of exposure to irritants that damage the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, chemical fumes, gases, or air pollution.

More than 63,000 Western Australians are living with COPD. Concerningly, around half of those affected are undiagnosed, which means they may not be receiving the support, treatment, and guidance they need to manage their condition and maintain a good quality of life.

If left undiagnosed or untreated, COPD can affect everyday activities, sleep, and the ability to stay active. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

  • Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Tiredness

The good news is that early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Our team of respiratory health experts help Western Australians with COPD through specialist care, diagnosis, education and practical resources — supporting them to breathe easier and enjoy the best possible quality of life.

COPD and breathlessness

Feeling short of breath (also called breathlessness) can be a symptom of COPD, but there are ways to manage and reduce it.

When you feel breathless, it’s common to become anxious. This anxiety can make your muscles tighten, so your body has to work harder to breathe — creating a cycle that makes you feel even more breathless.

Feeling breathless when you’re active is not harmful. In fact, gentle and regular exercise, such as walking, can help improve your breathing over time.

Tips for managing breathlessness

Below are a series of tips to help you recover more quickly from breathlessness, calm you breathing and manage long-term breathlessness.

✔️ Practice slow, relaxed breathing.

✔️ Sit or stand in a comfortable position.

✔️ Stay calm and relax your mind. Focus on things that bring you comfort or calmness such as mindfulness, meditation or gentle music.

✔️ Use a handheld fan or open a window to feel cool air on your face.

✔️ Take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare team.

If your breathing gets worse or you experience new symptoms, please seek advice from your doctor.

 

Access COPD Resources

Breathing Techniques

Focus on slow, deeper breaths from your tummy and focus on:

Rise

Feel your tummy lift as you breathe in.

Relax

as you breathe out.

Rest

and wait for the next breath to come.

Other breathing techniques include:

🫁 Pursed lip breathing
Breathe through the nose (smell the roses), breathe out, as if through a straw (blow out the candles).

🫁 Blow as you go
Breathe in before exerting effort, breathe out with effort.

🫁 Paced breathing
Breathe in for a few counts, breathe out for a few counts.

🫁 Breathe around the rectangle
Trace the side of a rectangle with your eyes while doing tummy breathing. Gradually slow the movement of your eyes around the shape to help slow your breathing.

When breathless, remember the three P's:

PAUSE

Pause and stop what you are doing.

POSITION

Lean forward, drop your shoulders to relieve your breathlessness.

PURSE LIPS

‘Smell the roses’ and ‘blow out the candles.’

Respiratory Care WA is here to help. Our team provide personalised COPD education which your doctor or medical professional may not have time to explain.

 

Contact our team today

Request an appointment

 

If you have an emergency, always call Triple-Zero (000) for an ambulance.

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