Rochdale GPs’ hunt for the ‘Missing Millions’

GPs in Rochdale are joining the national hunt for the estimated two million patients who are undiagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

COPD is the name for a collection of lung diseases with symptoms of breathlessness, coughing and wheezing. It is mainly caused by smoking, although there can be a range of other causes like exposure to gas and fumes and air pollution.

Of the estimated two million it is believed that more than 10,000 live here in the borough of Rochdale.

Dr Musharraf Hussain from Healey Surgery, said: “Many people may not realise they have COPD and will pass it off as a smokers’ cough. If we can identify those patients going undiagnosed we can treat and support them. There is no cure for COPD but a lot can be done to relieve its symptoms, including basic changes to lifestyle.”

Doctors and Practice Nurses from local GP Cluster, GPCARE, will be at Morrisons Supermarket on Kingsway on Saturday 25th September to offer a free lung health check to shoppers who may be unaware they have the disease.

Dr Hussain said: “The lung check will only take a few minutes but it could make a big difference to your life.”

The GPCARE team will be in the foyer of the supermarket between 10am to 3pm.