An estimated 380,000 people in Ireland are affected by the lung disease, COPD, however the majority of these are unaware they have it, COPD Support Ireland has warned.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is an umbrella term for a number of chronic lung disorders, including bronchitis and emphysema. It is a progressive, disabling condition caused by a narrowing of the airways. Smoking is the main cause.

Ahead of World COPD Day on November 16, COPD Support Ireland is calling on all staff in hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare facilities to organise activities in their workplace to raise awareness of this disease.

"This can be by way of mounting an information stand or organising an information talk for staff or members of the public, or by offering spirometry (lung function) testing to those at risk. COPD Support Ireland can provide a range of resources to support these efforts, including posters, leaflets, questionnaires and GP referral letters for spirometry testing," explained COPD Support Ireland executive director, Damien Peelo.

He pointed out that COPD is the fourth biggest killer in Ireland, after heart disease, cancer and stroke. In fact, one person dies, on average, every six hours in Ireland as a result of this disease.

Also to mark World COPD Day, 15 local COPD support groups have announced their first ever national patient conference, ‘Save Your Breath'. Patients will get to hear from Irish and UK experts on the progress being made in the treatment of this disease. They will also be able to take part in lifestyle and wellbeing workshops aimed at improving their quality of life.

This event will take place on November 15 in the Royal College of Physicians, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

For more information on this, World COPD Day or the supports offered by COPD Support Ireland, call (01) 283 3500, email info@copd.ie or click here