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Lung Disease Killing 800 And Costing Millions Each Year In N.I.

Wednesday 20 November 2002

Chronic lung disease is costing Northern Ireland 800 lives, 700,000 lost working days and £25 million in treatment every year, according to the NI Chest, Heart and Stroke Association.

Chronic lung disease is costing Northern Ireland 800 lives, 700,000 lost working days and £25 million in treatment every year, according to the NI Chest, Heart and Stroke Association.

The charity is launching a public information campaign aimed at cutting the incidence and improving understanding of a group of illnesses known collectively as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD. They include bronchitis and emphysema. Chest illnesses are the most common reason for people to make an appointment with a GP or specialist consultant – and yet most people don’t know what precautions to take to protect themselves.

Northern Ireland and the Republic are high in the world and European league tables for deaths from respiratory disease. In Europe they are beaten only by the former Soviet republics of Kyrgystan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Northern Ireland has a death rate similar to that of Uzbekistan.

The Association’s Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: “Far and away the most important cause of COPD is smoking, although non-smokers develop it, too. Occupational hazards, such as inhaling chemicals, can also contribute, as can genetic factors, such as the shortage of a compound called AAT, which protects the lungs. Atmospheric pollution hasn’t been proven to cause COPD, but it can certainly worsen its symptoms.”

The worst area in Northern Ireland for hospital admissions for COPD is North and West Belfast.

Sufferers spend their lives in fear of an acute attack that might leave them unable to breathe. Some need to take oxygen cylinders everywhere they go, while the daily routine of others is dictated by the use of inhalers and steroid drugs.

To give themselves the greatest protection against the condition, people need to develop a healthy lifestyle early. Avoiding tobacco, taking plenty of aerobic exercise and eating a healthy diet including five portions of fruit and vegetables per day are all important. Recent studies have shown that eating apples regularly can have a protective effect on the lungs.

<b>Links</b>

<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2494981.stm">BBC Interview with Andrew Dougal</a>

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