COPD Support Ireland, Ireland's first national support organisation for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was launched today.

COPD sufferers find it difficult to breathe due to obstruction of the airways in their lungs. It is the most common lung disease in adults, with an estimated 440,000 people in Ireland living with the disease.

However, despite its high prevalence, research reveals that the public knows very little about COPD. The condoiton is frequently caused by smoking.

COPD Support Ireland has been set up to help and support all those living with the condition and aims to bring the disease out of the shadows and give it the prominence it deserves.

It will be providing a week-long series of COPD screening events next month to mark World COPD day.