A new campaign has been launched to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is Ireland's fourth most common cause of death.

COPD 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. An estimated half a million people in Ireland are affected, however many of these are undiagnosed.

It is the fourth most common cause of death in Ireland after lung cancer, heart disease and stroke, and it is the most common cause of emergency admissions here, with 15,000 patients admitted to hospital annually.

The ‘Save Your Breath' campaign has been launched by COPD Support Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) to coincide with COPD Awareness Week (June 19-25).

"COPD continues to be a major health issue in Ireland with an estimated 200,000 people diagnosed. Already, we have the highest rate of hospitalisation in a survey of 31 countries in the OECD. There are many more undiagnosed people, up to 300,000 in the community, who also need appropriate treatment and care," commented COPD Support Ireland executive director, Damien Peelo.

He insisted that the condition should be managed better in primary care and highlighted the key role of local pharmacies.

"They play a vital role in the management of COPD and could potentially have an even greater role in identifying those who have the symptoms, but are as yet undiagnosed. The pharmacist provides a trusted source of information, and based in the heart of our communities, they provide a very accessible service to people living with COPD," Mr Peelo noted.

This was backed up by pharmacist and IPU president, Daragh Connolly, who said that pharmacists have a ‘vital role' to play.

"At present there is no cure for COPD. However, there are things you can do to make it easier to live with and to slow down the progress of the disease. Pharmacists have a vital role to play in this regard and are important in identifying undiagnosed COPD in a patient. People who are regularly looking for over-the-counter cough remedies should be advised to seek further investigation," he said.

He emphasised that the earlier a person seeks treatment, the more effective that treatment will be. Furthermore, if you are a smoker and have COPD, or suspect you may have it, you should quit smoking immediately.

Treatments for COPD include inhalers, corticosteroids and antibiotics. Exercise is also key.

For more information on the condition and the awareness campaign, click here