Irish suffer high death rate from lung illness

Ireland has some of the highest death rates in Europe for a little known but preventable chronic lung condition, experts have said.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is mainly caused by smoking. Sufferers find it hard to breathe due to obstruction of airways in the lungs. It affects about 440,000 people in the country.

But the level of deaths is higher than in the likes of Kazakhstan and Romania — about 1,300-1,500 Irish people a year are affected.

Free screenings will take place for a week next month to identify people with the disease, which has two main conditions, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

Prof Tim McDonnell, national clinical lead with the HSE COPD programme, said the mortality rate here is worrying.

“COPD is a major contributor to hospitalisations and has a detrimental impact on quality of life,” he said.

“Early diagnosis is essential for the effective treatment of COPD, but even severe cases can be improved with treatment including pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.”

Prof McDonnell warned that the prevalence of COPD is going to increase, and by 2020 it is estimated that it will be the third leading cause of death worldwide.

About 85%-90% of COPD deaths are caused by smoking, but exposure to smoke, fumes, and dust is also responsible.

It mainly affects people over 40 and is marked by frequent bouts of coughing or wheezing, breathlessness, and tiring easily from everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs.

Alex White, the junior health minister, has launched a group to help people with the disease.

Michael McGloin, president of COPD Support Ireland, was diagnosed with the condition 14 years ago. “This disease needs to be prioritised immediately if we are to avoid a future health timebomb,” he said.

“When I was first diagnosed with COPD in 1999, I found it hard to learn more about the disease and what I could expect from it. This led me to set up a support group in Sligo to help others with this condition.

“I hope that the development of this national organisation will provide much-needed support and comfort for those currently living with the disease, and also those recently diagnosed.”