Report and photo from Trish Ireland

At our most recent meeting, our guest speaker was local respiratory consultant, Dr. Banerjee, who gave us a very interesting talk and answered questions from the audience.

He focussed his talk on COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a progressive disease of the lungs, from which many people suffer.

Dr. Banerjee also spoke of the causes, which frequently include past or current smoking, cold weather, polluted environments and viral infections. He emphasized the importance of clearing the lungs of phlegm and how specialist physiotherapy (Pulmonary Rehabilitation, available at both Southport and Ormskirk) is a key help in this regard. Patients can ask their GPs to refer them for this excellent help.

Dr. Banerjee also spoke of the importance of Vitamin D and a good diet, and he told us about medications such as Carbocisteine (Mucodyne), which liquefies mucus and helps clear the lungs. High protein energy drinks may be useful for some patients too, for keeping muscle health to the best level we can, this strengthens the chest and helps clear our lungs. Thank you, Dr. Banerjee, for coming to speak to us!

The next meeting will be held on Monday 21st August at the usual venue, Girl Guide HQ., Green Lane, Ormskirk, L39 1ND, starting from 11 a.m., when light refreshments will be available.

Our speaker will be Specialist Physiotherapist, Melanie Reardon, from the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Service.