People at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be screened for free, support groups have said.

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. An estimated 380,000 people in Ireland are affected.

Ahead of World COPD Day (November 18), COPD Support Ireland, which is a national umbrella body for local COPD support groups, has launched its annual ‘Save Your Breath' campaign.

As part of this campaign, it is calling for support from politicians to help implement five key pledges, which are aimed at improving the services available to those affected. These are:
-COPD spirometry screening to be made publicly available to high-risk groups. High-risk groups are those over the age of 35 who have symptoms of persistent breathlessness, chest infections and coughing with phlegm, who are current or former smokers, and who have a family history of the disease
-Pulmonary rehabilitation exercise programmes should be made available in all acute hospitals
-COPD outreach programmes should be offered in all acute hospitals. These ensure that patients are treated at home when appropriate
-Greater access to medical cards for those affected
-A COPD national helpline to help those affected access advice and information from health professionals.

According to COPD Support Ireland's executive director, Damien Peelo, the focus of these pledges ‘is on maintaining people's health for longer through early diagnosis in primary care, and by keeping people out of acute hospitals through COPD outreach and pulmonary rehabilitation exercise programmes'.

"There is also a significant and ongoing cost associated with living with COPD, due to the burden of prescription and non-prescription medication, oxygen therapy, exercise rehabilitation, housing adaptations, transport etc..., which is why it is vital that the condition be recognised as a long-term illness and people afforded greater access to medical cards," he explained.

As part of the Save Your Breath campaign, COPD Support Ireland is undertaking a COPD health check-in tour nationwide from November 16 to 20. Anyone concerned that they may be at risk can avail of a free spirometry screening test. And those already diagnosed can come along for a review of their health, including breathing technique support.

"Last year, just over one in five of those tested nationally as part of COPD Support Ireland's screening tour were referred to their GP for further examination on the basis of abnormal spirometry. Yet more than two-thirds of these had already had symptoms but had not sought medical advice. I would urge people not to ignore warning signs, but to seek medical advice. Early diagnosis of COPD means that you can start to get treated straightaway and potentially avoid some of the more serious effects of the disease," commented Prof Tim McDonnell, a consultant respiratory physician at St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin.

The Save Your Breath Campaign is reminding people of the ABC of COPD:
-Avoid the risks - do not smoke and avoid environmental toxins, fumes and dust
-Be aware of the symptoms, such as a persistent cough with phlegm, ongoing chest infections and shortness of breath
-Consult your GP - if you are at risk, ask for a spirometry test. This test simply involves a person blowing hard into a spirometer device. It tests how well a person can breath by measuring the amount and speed of air that can be inhaled and exhaled.

For more information on the Save Your Breath campaign, including the venues for free check-ups this week, click here