Latest figures shows that between 2019 and 2021, there were 1,185 hospital admissions of people from Tipperary due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD according to the National Healthcare Quality Reporting System.
Yet of the estimated 380,000 people living with COPD in Ireland, it is thought that approximately 270,000 of these are unaware that they may have this serious and progressive lung condition.
COPD Support Ireland is urging the people of Tipperary to get to know the “ABC” of COPD and when they should get checked out.
The advice is for those aged over 35, with ongoing breathlessness and a cough or phlegm that won’t go away.
COPD is also known as bronchitis or emphysema.A Freephone line is available at 1800 832146 where an appointment can be made to speak to a COPD specialist nurse or physiotherapist.
For full details of the all supports available can be found on www.copd.ie. Health authorities are encouraging people to avail of flu, pneumonia and COVID vaccines to help prevent infections especially in those with the condition.
