Pulmonary specialists offer free COPD screenings

Mountain View Hospital affiliate Idaho Falls Pulmonary/ Sleep and Critical Care Specialists will be treating and looking for early signs of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The COPD foundation estimates 24 million Americans have COPD, with about half of them undiagnosed. Pulmonologist Scott Coole said many people are unaware of their symptoms as many believe COPD is only a smokers’ disease.

“Someone could be a nonsmoker their whole life and still end up in their 80s with a diagnosis of COPD,” said Colle. “Their shortness of breath and their inability to climb a flight of stairs or going skiing this winter isn’t just from aging. They could have COPD.”

Coole said extended exposure to agricultural chemicals and other industries hard on the lungs could also be contributors to COPD.

IFPS specialists will offer free screenings at 2330 Desoto St., Idaho Falls, Idaho, on Saturday, Nov. 22.