800 lives lost to chronic lung disease each year

Chronic lung disease is claiming the lives of 800 people every year, the NI Chest, Heart and Stroke Association has revealed.

The Association revealed the startling statistics as it launched an advertising campaign aimed at cutting the incidence and improving understanding of a group of illnesses known collectively as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Commenting on the figures, The Association’s Chief Executive, Andrew Dougal, said: “Far and away the most important cause of COPD is smoking, although non-smokers develop it, too. Occupational hazards, such as inhaling chemicals, can also contribute, as can genetic factors, such as the shortage of a compound called AAT, which protects the lungs. Atmospheric pollution hasn’t been proven to cause COPD, but it can certainly worsen its symptoms."

In response to the figures, SDLP MLA, Dr Alistair McDonnell has demanded that the Department of Health immediately produce a practical strategy to tackle smoking.

He said that the Department had been severely lacking in providing a meaningful prevention programme in recent years, and that this most be done urgently.

In its figures, the Association also said that around 700,000 lost working days and £25 million in treatment are lost each year in the province.

Northern Ireland and the Republic are also high in the world and European league tables for deaths from respiratory disease.

(MB)