Chronic lung illness ‘a growing burden’

IRELAND’S health services need to prepare for the growing burden of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a study warns.

COPD is the general term for a number of chronic lung disorders such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive airway disease and chronic airway flow limitation.

It is estimated that at least 400,000 people have the disease and that it is moderate or severe for 180,000. COPD accounts for one in 20 deaths in Ireland and the main disease risk factor is smoking. It is estimated up to 85% of cases can be attributed to current or previous smoking.