The prompt came via World COPD Day on November 19 which is an effort led by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease together with healthcare workers and COPD community groups around the world.
COPD is a long-term lung condition which makes breathing more difficult.
It affects hundreds of thousands of Australians and remains a leading cause of avoidable hospital admissions.
Throughout Queensland, trained community pharmacists can assist patients with a range of services to help their lung health.
Breathlessness is something people often ignore or attribute to ageing, but it can be an early warning sign of COPD
Senior Vice President of the PGA in Queensland Cate Whalan
Early detection, proper management and consistent monitoring can significantly improve quality of life and slow disease progression.
Senior Vice President of the PGA in Queensland Cate Whalan said community pharmacists play a vital role in helping people in Queensland manage chronic respiratory conditions such as COPD, asthma and related risk factors.
“Breathlessness is something people often ignore or attribute to ageing, but it can be an early warning sign of COPD,” Ms Whalan said.
“Your community pharmacist is trained and equipped to help you recognise symptoms, understand your risk and take steps to protect your long-term lung health.”
The range of services available which trained community pharmacists in Queensland can offer include:
- Support for managing COPD and asthma, including guidance on how best to use an inhaler
- Monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol
- Support to manage type 2 diabetes
- Advice and support to stop smoking
- Medication management and reviews and other preventive health checks.
“These services are often available without the need for an appointment, which makes it easier for Queenslanders, particularly those in regional and remote communities, to get timely support,” Ms Whalan said.
“Community pharmacists are trusted and accessible health professionals who can help people recognise symptoms early and manage their lung health before conditions worsen.
"By providing timely advice and ongoing support, they help reduce avoidable hospitalisations and improve everyday quality of life."
To find a participating pharmacy in Queensland and learn which services are available to help manage long-term health conditions like COPD and other chronic conditions, visit https://findapharmacy.com.au/qld-scope.
