The British Lung Foundation is holding two further events in Dundee as part of the Tayside Love your Lungs campaign which has already tested one hundred and seventy-four people earlier this month for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). From those tested, 31 people have been referred to their GP for further tests. The campaign is part of the British Lung Foundation’s (BLF) drive to find the missing millions of people who have COPD.
Research[1] by the charity suggests there are an estimated 3.7 million people with COPD in the UK, yet only 900,000 people have been diagnosed with the disease. This means there are 2.8 million people who are currently unaware they have a condition which, if left untreated, could severely restrict their lives and eventually kill them. These are the “missing millions” the BLF wants to find.
Two further events are now taking place in Dundee. Residents are being encouraged to come along to these free events after research by the charity showed that people in the area are 22.3% more likely to be admitted to hospital for COPD than the UK national average.
COPD is a term used to describe a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which are often caused by smoking. It leads to damaged airways, making it hard for air to get in and out of the lungs. As COPD progresses, people find it difficult to cope with everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs, and can be left literally fighting for breath. Damage to the lungs caused by COPD is irreversible but if diagnosed early, symptoms can be treated to prevent further damage.
Mairi McConnochie, COPD Project Officer at the British Lung Foundation said “COPD is the UK’s fifth biggest killer, yet 75% of people who have it, aren’t aware they do. After the success of the first two Tayside events, I am hopeful that any Dundee resident who has a problem with their breathing will come along and have a free test.”
The testing only takes around 10 minutes, doesn’t hurt and simply involves blowing in to a tube. Trained health professionals will be on hand to advise those having the tests. The final Tayside events will take place at the following two locations:
Wednesday, 27 January 2010:
ASDA, Milton of Craigie Road, Dundee, DD4 7RX from 10am-4pm
Thursday, 28 January 2010:
Gala Bingo, Harefield Road, Dundee, DD2 3XN from 11am-7pm
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View further information on Dundee Events
For further information on the events, please contact Mairi McConnochie or call 020 7688 6018.
For press enquiries please contact Tova Turkel on 0207 688 5564
[1] British Lung Foundation ‘Invisible Lives’ report 2007
Notes to editors:
1.The British Lung Foundation is the only UK charity working for everyone affected by lung disease. The charity focuses its resources on providing support for people affected by lung disease today; and works in a variety of ways (including funding world-class research) to bring about positive change, to improve treatment, care and support for people affected by lung disease in the future.
2. It provides information via the website www.lunguk.org and telephone helpline 08458 50 50 20
3. One person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease – this equates to approximately 8 million people
4. Respiratory disease is the second biggest killer in the UK (117,456 deaths in 2004) after all non-respiratory cancers combined which only account for slightly more deaths (122,500 deaths in UK in 2004)
5. Respiratory disease now kills one in five people in the UK
6. The UK’s death rate from respiratory disease is almost double the European average and the 6th highest in Europe
7. Respiratory disease is the most commonly reported long term illness in children and the third most commonly reported in adults. One in 7 boys and 1 in 8 girls aged 2 – 15 report having long term respiratory illness in England
