National Lung Health Education Program
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| Who We
Are —The Target Audience The NLHEP is designed to reach physicians, their patients and the public. Because COPD and associated diseases are closely related to cigarette smoking, by far the most critical and correctable risk factor, the NLHEP plans to target all smokers, former smokers and people who are regularly exposed to environmental tobacco smoking or occupational exposures. Most patients who have COPD visit their primary care physicians for a variety of health services years before the symptoms of cough, mucus and shortness of breath develop. Early identification and intervention by family practitioners, general internists, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists and physician assistants, can prevent symptoms from progressing to the disabling stages of disease which often require hospitalization and intensive care. All health care professionals should be able to identify patients with early signs of COPD. Patients and the public should learn the risk factors for this disease and steps they can take to preserve lung health. |
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