Charity launches COPD self-management pack

The British Lung Foundation has published a pack that helps patients manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Developed in partnership with the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists and patients, the pack includes a self-management plan and is designed to help patients control the condition to avoid a hospital admission.

COPD accounts for around 1.4 million GP consultations a year and is the second most common cause of emergency admissions in the UK, with an estimated 94,000 admissions a year.

The Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists said: 'Nurses can play a vital role in supporting patients to self-manage their condition. The BLF pack will help us work through the stages of diagnosis together with our patients to help them manage their symptoms more effectively.'