COPD

COPD Care - Helping YOu Breathe Better

As a COPD Lead Consultant at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, I help many patients manage their COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) effectively. I understand how breathlessness can affect your daily life, and I'm here to help you take control of your condition.

dr suman paul

Consultant Respiratory Physician
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Watch the video: What Exactly is COPD?

Learn all about COPD in the simplest way possible in this video! A doctor breaks down COPD in easy to understand terms, so you can learn more about this condition.

Understanding copd

COPD is a group of lung conditions that make it difficult to breathe. While we can't cure COPD, together we can:

  • Improve your breathing
  • Reduce flare-ups
  • Help you stay active
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage your symptoms effectively

What happens in COPD? - A simple explanation

I often find that understanding what's happening in your lungs can help you better manage your COPD. Let me explain it in simple terms. Think of your lungs like an upside-down tree:

  • Your windpipe (trachea) is like the trunk
  • The airways are like branches
  • At the end of the smallest branches are tiny air sacs (alveoli), like tiny balloons
  • These air sacs are where oxygen enters your bloodstream
  • The airways also have tiny muscles and produce a small amount of mucus to keep them clean
Discover proactive strategies for managing COPD and breathe easier. Take our quiz now to see how prepared you are!

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what changes in copd?

In COPD three main changes occur:

Airway narrowing

  • The tubes carrying air become narrower than normal
  • The muscles around them can get tighter
  • This makes it harder to breathe out
  • You might hear this as wheezing or feel breathlesss

Airway inflammation

  • The airways become swollen and inflamed
  • They produce more mucus than usual
  • This extra mucus can cause:
  • Chronic cough
  • More chest infections
  • Further breathing difficulties

air sac damage

  • The tiny air sacs can become damaged
  • Some might break down making larger spaces
  • This means less oxygen can get into your blood
  • It becomes harder to breathe out fully
  • This is known as emphysema

why does this matter?

Understanding these changes helps explain:

  • Why you feel breathless
  • Why you might cough more
  • Why chest infections affect you more severely
  • How different treatments help
  • Why exercise and breathing techniques are important

how this affects daily life

These changes can make you feel:

  • Short of breath, especially during activity
  • Tired more easily
  • Like you're breathing through a narrow straw
  • The need to cough frequently
  • Anxious about breathing difficulties

the good news

While we can't reverse the changes, we can:

  • Slow down disease progression
  • Improve your breathing
  • Reduce symptoms
  • Help prevent flare-ups
  • Make daily activities easier
  • Help you stay active and independent

how we can help

I offer treatments targeting each aspect:

  • Inhalers to open airways
  • Medications to reduce inflammation
  • Techniques to clear mucus
  • Breathing exercises
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Strategies for daily activities

take control

Understanding your COPD helps you:

  • Recognize early warning signs
  • Know when to use different medications
  • Make lifestyle changes that help
  • Feel more confident managing your condition
  • Know when to seek help

A patient's story

B.D., Mark T., Blackpool

"When I first came to see Dr Paul, climbing stairs left me gasping for breath. He took time to explain my condition, adjusted my medications, and taught me breathing techniques. Now I can play with my grandchildren again and even tend to my garden. It's not just about the treatment - it's about getting your life back."

3 of 5 stars

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How i can help you

I offer comprehensive COPD care including:

  • Detailed assessment of your breathing
  • Advanced lung function testing
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Inhaler technique optimization
  • Flare-up prevention strategies
  • Regular monitoring
  • Access to new treatments when appropriate

treatment options

Together, we'll create a treatment plan that might include:

  • The right combination of inhalers
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation referral
  • Breathing exercises
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Vaccination advice
  • Smoking cessation support (if needed)
  • Emergency medication plans

Watch the video: How to Stop COPD Before it Starts

I focus on crucial 'copd warning signs' and 'early signs of copd' that often go unnoticed 🫁. Understanding proper 'respiratory care' is essential, especially when patients develop a persistent 'chronic cough' that many dismiss as minor.

managing copd flare-ups

I'll help you:

  • Recognize early warning signs
  • Know when to start emergency medication
  • Understand when to seek help
  • Create a self-management plan
  • Feel confident managing your condition

when to see me

Consider booking an appointment if:

  • You're getting more breathless
  • Your current treatment isn't controlling symptoms
  • You're having frequent flare-ups
  • Daily activities are becoming harder
  • You want expert advice about your COPD
  • You need a second opinion

your first appointment

During our first meeting, I will:

  • Listen carefully to your symptoms and concerns
  • Review your medical history
  • Perform necessary breathing tests
  • Check your inhaler technique
  • Discuss treatment options
  • Create a personalized care plan
  • Answer all your questions

living well with copd

With proper care and management, you can:

  • Reduce breathlessness
  • Stay more active
  • Have fewer flare-ups
  • Sleep better
  • Feel more confident
  • Maintain independence
  • Enjoy better quality of life

support beyond the clinic

I believe in comprehensive care, so I'll also:

  • Work closely with your GP
  • Connect you with pulmonary rehabilitation services
  • Provide access to respiratory nurses
  • Share useful resources and support groups
  • Give you a written self-management plan

emergency support

All my COPD patients receive:

  • A clear action plan for flare-ups
  • Written instructions for emergency medications
  • Regular review appointments

book an appointment

Don't let COPD control your life.

Contact my secretary on (0161) 832 2111 to arrange a prompt consultation. I offer appointments at various locations with minimal waiting times.

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next: Medication for COPD

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