Image: Supplied by Jennifer Bettington

Talking community awards. Help for HSC students and new Fire Station plans.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death and the leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia. 

Approximately 8.3% Australians aged 40 years and over have some form of COPD. People living with COPD may have varied symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and coughing. 

Around one in five people with COPD die within one year of their first hospitalisation for an exacerbation (flare up).

Breztri Aerosphere® (budesonide/glycopyrronium/formoterol fumarate), which combines three medications in the same device, is now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with COPD.

The reimbursement of a new triple therapy represents a new treatment option for patients living with this devastating disease.

We chatted with the Doctor Rifi to find out more about COPD and the treatment.

Image: Upper Hunter Shire Council