Breathe Easy Kirkcaldy is joining the British Lung Foundation's campaign to make Fifers aware that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), an umbrella term for a number of conditions, is the fifth biggest killer in the UK.

And the numbers of people dying from the different forms of the disease is increasing.

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, and covers progressive, irreversible lung disease.

However, it is preventable and if diagnosed early, can be easily treated and managed.

Breathe Easy Kirkcaldy will be holding an awareness stand in The Mercat on Wednesday, November 18 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

They will be joined by nurses from Victoria Hospital who will be carrying tests for anyone concerns about their lungs.

Agnes Whyte, chairman of the group, is encouraging people who are concerned to visit the stand.

She said: "We get involved in a lot of different events and we provide information, support and friendship to all people living with a lung condition, their family and carers.

"Free information leaflets, newsletters and monthly group meetings are all part of the support we give to people living in Fife.

"We try to help people live with their lung condition and not suffer from it."

Symptoms of COPD include a persistent cough, breathlessness or lots of phlegm, and current or ex-smokers are particularly at risk.

COPD is caused by smoking or by exposure to environmental pollution and to hazards at work such as dust, fumes and gases.

In a small number of people it is caused by a genetic deficiency.

However, Agnes is keen to stress that COPD does not cover lung cancer.

The Mercat event ties in with World COPD Day, which also takes place on Wednesday.

Breathe Easy Kirkcaldy is one of 19 groups in Scotland and provide help, information and support to those living with lung disease, their friends, family and careers.

The groups get involved with a large number of events.

Each year the British Lung Foundation focuses its campaigning around World COPD Day, an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease to improve awareness and care of COPD around the world.