Kildare man flies flag for COPD awareness

PADDY Flavin from Newbridge, an active member of his local COPD Support Group, is calling for the improvement of access to services to coincide with World COPD Day (20 November).

As Ireland heads into winter COPD Support Ireland is urging everyone to get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and pneumonia, and to take steps to protect their respiratory health.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects an estimated 380,000 people in Ireland, yet as many as 270,000 of these may remain undiagnosed, and is an umbrella term for a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties.

These include emphysema, which causes damage to the air sacs in the lungs, and chronic bronchitis which gives rise to inflammation of the airways.

In COPD, there is a difficulty with air moving out of the lungs efficiently when breathing out, causing a person to feel breathless.

Other symptoms include cough, with or without phlegm. While COPD is not curable, it is treatable, allowing people to have the best possible quality of life. 

Commenting on his diagnosis, Paddy said: “When I was told I had COPD, I didn’t know what to expect. Joining my local support group was a great help for me. I’ve met great people and learned how to manage my symptoms. If you’re worried about your breathing, go get it checked. Getting help early really matters.” 

A new survey published today reveals that for three-quarters (75 per cent) of people, shortness of breath is the main symptom leading to them seeking medical advice and a diagnosis of COPD.

Over 83 per cent of patients are satisfied with their care during diagnosis, with nearly 60 per cent saying their overall COPD care has improved compared to five years ago, however, the findings also reveal that almost six in ten people still lack a personalised care plan.

COPD Support Ireland is calling for continued support of the HSE’s national Integrated Model of Care for COPD, as this has been a key driver of improved COPD care in Ireland over the past five years, enabling better connected health services for people with COPD across the country.

COPD Support Ireland’s recent patient survey tells us that many people living with COPD feel their care has improved over the last 5 years which is very encoura