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Why Have the CHAT

Research shows that people with COPD are more likely to have an exacerbation during the winter months. Have the CHAT is Lung Foundation Australia’s winter campaign is working to keep people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) well and out of hospital this winter.

What is Have the CHAT?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbations are the second leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia. Have the CHAT runs from June to August and aims to keep people with COPD well and out of hospital by raising awareness of the symptoms and how to manage an exacerbation. Every exacerbation does long term damage to your health and can increase your risk of death – more than a heart attack1.

CHAT is an easy to remember acronym that helps patients and their carers to recognise the symptoms of a COPD exacerbation (flare-up of symptoms), including:

  • Coughing more than usual
  • Harder to breathe than usual
  • Any change in sputum (phlegm)
  • Tired more than usual (less active).

It’s vital to Have the CHAT with your doctor as soon as you experience any worsening of symptoms. Reduce your risk of an exacerbation and know the signs.

Do the checklist long-arrow-right

What can health professionals do?

The campaign also provides evidence-based resources to support health professionals in timely identification and management of COPD exacerbations by encouraging people to complete a simple six question checklist.

For health professionals long-arrow-right

Lung Foundation Australia

Lung Foundation Australia is the only charity in Australia providing support and a voice for people living with a lung disease. Lung Foundation Australia works to inspire hope for the future by funding life-changing research; facilitating best-practice clinical management; and supporting those with lung disease. We work to empower those with lung disease to take the important steps they can to enjoy a better quality of life by understanding and managing their disease. We advocate for people with a lung disease to receive the level of care and treatment they deserve.