People lined up in the hospital lobby from 8.30am last week to take advantage of free screening for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.Nurse Debbie Barboza conducted many of the 55 screenings that took place during the five hours the free screenings were offered.COPD is common in smokers and former smokers although many who have not smoked are also afflicted.Many don’t realise they have the condition, mistaking it for a part of ageing. Symptoms include a persistent cough, often with mucus and/or phlegm, and shortness of breath.“COPD has no cure yet and doctors don't know how to reverse the damage to the airways and lungs,” said Ms Barboza, who works with the Asthma Centre at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. “However, treatments and lifestyle changes can help you feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.”While there are no local statistics, COPD is a leading cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer. For this reason diagnosis is important. The earlier COPD is diagnosed the better the person’s chances of stopping progression of the condition.A total of 59 people were seen during the screening. Fifty-five people were screened and 20 were referred for a follow-up lung function test.If you believe you may have COPD see your doctor or make an appointment: 239-1652 or asthma.centre@bhb.bm