Lung function tests offered

Free lung function tests will be offered at Cameron Toll Shopping Centre on September 17.

The British Lung Foundation will offer the tests to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), an umbrella term for lung diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Common symptoms of COPD, which is the UK's fifth biggest killer, include a persistent chesty cough, breathlessness and wheezing.

NHS Lothian figures show that there were 2362 hospital admissions for COPD in 2008/09.

The tests, which simply involve blowing into a tube, will be available from 10am until 4pm.

Advice will also be offered on how to quit smoking.