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Are volunteered and endorsed descriptors of recalled breathlessness consistent with descriptors of exerciseinduced breathlessness? Are volunteered and endorsed descriptors of exercise-induced breathlessness consistent?

If descriptors of the sensation of breathlessness are able to differentiate between medical conditions, the language of breathlessness could potentially have a role in differential diagnosis. This study investigated whether the language used to describe the sensation of breathlessness accurately categorized older individuals with and without a prior diagnosis of COPD.

Objective:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious disease that is increasing in prevalence, yet is under‐diagnosed and under‐recognised in Australia. The goal is to bring this to the attention of public health and offer recommendations in order to reduce the present and future burden from COPD. Approach:The increase in prevalence, particularly in women, and the impact upon personal and public health demonstrate that COPD is a major public health issue. A proactive approach for public health is suggested, including strategies to increase smoking cessation among at‐risk groups, reduce delayed diagnosis, extend disease management strategies, and establish an Australian research base. Conclusion:The reduction of the burden from COPD is contingent upon a proactive approach by public health that includes approaching it as a research priority and the provision of adequately resourced prevention and management strategies.