"With one person in seven affected by lung disease, the British Lung Foundation is doing wonderful work to support those affected and to raise awareness" said Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon & Radnorshire after attending the British lung foundation Awareness Day in Ystradgynlais.
The day sought to raise awareness about COPD, which includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema and causes breathing difficulties. Whilst there is no cure for COPD there are various medications which widen the airways and can relieve its symptoms and improve quality of life for suffers.
"I was relieved to find that the spirometry test revealed that I had the lungs of a 27 year old but not everyone is so lucky with one in ten people over 40 suffering from COPD. Whilst the disease is more prevalent amongst those who smoke it is also found in those who do not which raises questions about genetic susceptibility. If people have concerns about their pulmonary health it is important that they see their practice nurse for a check-up.
"It was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the symptoms and treatments for the disease so that I can take this knowledge away and use it to support the Lung Foundation's work, both in my constituency and in the Assembly."
