It’s estimated that around 3 million people in the UK are living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), of whom 2 million are undiagnosed.
COPD is a progressive disease that gets worse over time, it causes inflammation to the lungs which leads to breathlessness, a persistent chesty cough with phlegm, regular chest infections and wheezing. Those living with COPD can have periods where their symptoms suddenly get worse, known as a flare-up or exacerbation.
Developing COPD is typically associated with long-term exposure to harmful substances and fumes. One of the main causes of COPD is smoking; it is thought to be the cause for 90% of COPD cases. When smokers inhale the harmful chemicals from cigarettes, the smoke damages the lining of the lungs and airways. Many people may dismiss a chesty cough from COPD as a ‘Smoker’s Cough’. For those regularly exposed to second-hand smoke, their risk of developing COPD is also increased.
For some, developing COPD could come as a result of their occupation. Jobs involving the potential inhalation of certain types of dust and chemicals like welding fumes, coal dust and grain dust, can also be damaging to the lungs and increase someone’s risk of developing COPD. Some early studies have suggested that air pollution exposure could also lead to COPD. Breathing in air pollutants over long periods of time can irritate airways.
MAC Clinical Research are conducting a new study for a potential COPD treatment, but we need the help of current and ex-smokers who are living with COPD, to get involved in this research.
If you are aged 40-85 and have COPD, we would love to hear from you. You could be eligible for a clinical trial that may further the development of future treatment options.
If eligible you will receive up to £850 for your time and commitment, additionally, reasonable travel expenses will be paid. The trial will run at our clinics in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, South Yorkshire, and Teesside. For more information, please register via our website.
