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COPD Support Ireland call on the country to join the conversation and #LetstalkCOPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) World Awareness Week (13^th to 17^th November)

Nationwide events planned for World COPD Day on the 15^th of November

COPD Support Ireland, a national charity for all those living with the disease, is delighted to announce a week of events to help raise awareness and encourage people to start a conversation about the illness.

#LetstalkCOPD is about getting the nation talking and telling their stories about their experiences with COPD. Some will have the respiratory condition, some will care for family and friends who suffer from COPD, while others join in the narrative for the first time this November.

We want people to hear about a condition that affects around 380,000 people in Ireland, with an estimated 120,000 more undiagnosed.

The COPD facts are

• It is the fourth most common cause of death in Ireland after lung cancer, heart disease and stroke;
• Those most at risk are current or former smokers over the age of 40;
• Symptoms include a chronic cough, breathlessness, pressure on the chest and a wheeze.

By joining the conversation, people can learn

• That the condition can be managed better with an early diagnosis;
• That exercise really helps with living with the condition even if it’s just one short walk each day;
• That talking about the condition will help people realise there is strong community of support nationwide;
• And that COPD Support Ireland is there to help those with the condition across all social media platforms and through our dedicated advice line.

And significantly

• 10% of people with COPD have NEVER smoked;
• 30% of people with the condition have successfully quit smoking;
• Ireland has the highest rate of COPD admissions to hospitals in the EU and 60% more admissions than the UK;
• Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatment methods yet the health system only has a capacity to cater for 10% of COPD patients.