Research has shown that thousands of Brits suffer from a deadly lung condition.
Experts call for improved access to diagnostic tests and treatment for patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD).
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Diagnosis rates have dropped by half in the last year with charities warning this could be down to the difficulty in getting an appointment.
British Lung foundation research revealed that 46,000 people suffered from symptoms of COPD like wheezing or coughing. Many others were not diagnosed.
COPD is a grouping of lung conditions that can cause breathing problems. Most people with COPD are middle-aged and older adults who smoke.
The charity has data that shows that 1 in 5 people with the condition were diagnosed when they were less than 45 years old.
One in 10 people with the condition – around 130,000 – have never smoked and more than half (55 per cent) waited at least six months to speak to their GP about their symptoms.
To be diagnosed with COPD, patients must undergo a test called spirometry. Patients will also be asked about their smoking habits as well as their general lifestyle.
This should be performed by a GP, or a respiratory nurse.
People were required to work from home during the coronavirus pandemic. Virtual and triage GP appointments were the norm.
Many people didn’t get the necessary treatment and had to cancel or postpone their surgeries.
GPs were advised to stop using spirometry during this period due to fears about the spread of Covid-19 in the wake of the pandemic.
The British Lung Foundation says that this, coupled with difficulty in people getting appointments, could account for the 51 per cent drop compared to those diagnosed in 2019.
22% of those diagnosed with COPD (one in five) say that their symptoms were mistakenly thought to be a chest infection or a cough.
What are the symptoms of COPD?
COPD happens when your lungs become inflamed.
It’s not common, but it can happen to anyone who smokes.
Some people may experience the condition due to a genetic defect or exposure to harmful fumes and dust.
The symptoms may appear mildly at first and then slowly worsen over time.
These symptoms can limit your ability to do everyday activities. But, there are ways to manage the condition.
What are the signs?
- You may notice increased breathlessness when you’re active.
- A persistent cough with phlegm and chesty symptoms – Many people will be able to live with this condition.
- Common chest infections
- Continuous wheezing
Alison Cook (Director of External Affairs at Asthma UK) and Chair of Taskforce for Lung Health stated that it is normal to experience breathlessness as you age.
She said: “We need to make sure that GPs are looking at people’s health records and calling them in if they have been for repeated visits for cough or breathlessness and its essential that they use spirometry to make an accurate diagnosis.
“Every day there are more and more people living with COPD who could, without treatment, end up as an emergency case, an avoidable tragedy for that person and for an already stretched NHS.”
The British Lung Foundation says undiagnosed COPD can cause someone’s health to deteriorate, cause high levels of flare-ups (episodes where people’s breathing gets worse, and they can end up in hospital) which can cause lasting damage and lead to a greater chance of dying from the disease.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive at the British Lung Foundation, stated that the NHS is under increasing pressure if nothing is done.