Health care professionals from the University of Nebraska Medical Center will provide free lung disease screenings at Husker Harvest Days, Sept. 14-16 in Grand Island.
For the first time at Husker Harvest Days, UNMC health professionals will provide free screenings for a hereditary cause of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), called alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency. The screening is for those with abnormal pulmonary function tests and/or a prior diagnosis of COPD.
“COPD is incredibly common,” said Susanna Von Essen, M.D., professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine in the College of Medicine and professor of environmental, agricultural and occupational health in the College of Public Health.
A progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe, COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and other symptoms. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD, but long-term exposure to other lung irritants, such as dust, air pollution or chemical fumes also may contribute to COPD.
“We get lots of questions about COPD each year,” Dr. Von Essen said. “Anyone with a family history, or who has had shortness of breath or been told they have COPD is encouraged to stop by for a screening.”
As in years past, Husker Harvest Days attendees will receive free respirator masks that can minimize exposure to potentially hazardous materials. Physicians, respiratory therapists and nurse practitioners also will use spirometers to test lung function. Results will be shared immediately and farmers will be referred to their physicians for follow-up.
Husker Harvest Days — located six miles west of Grand Island on Husker Highway — is considered to be one of the top farm shows in the country.
Through world-class research and patient care, UNMC generates breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more health professionals than any other institution in the state. Learn more at unmc.edu.