2 days Ago By [email protected] (Dan Vevers)
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Analysis of worrying new NHS Scotland data reveals the massive gap between richest and poorest among people who suffer the common lung condition COPD. Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, which crunched the numbers, found winter hospital admissions were nearly seven times higher for the most deprived 20 per cent of the country compared to the least deprived 20 per cent. Around 140,000 people have been diagnosed with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in Scotland with tens of thousands more estimated to be undiagnosed.
It comes as today marks World COPD Day to raise awareness of the debilitating condition, sometimes called emphysema. We previously told how Scots living in the poorest areas are three times more likely to die in winter of a lung condition like COPD or asthma. And amid plummeting temperatures this week , figures last month showed poorer households use 21 per cent less energy than other homes during wintry weather - potentially exposing them to dangerously cold and damp homes which can worsen health conditions.
Health charity Asthma + Lung UK Scotland charity found that COPD admissions increased by 50 per cent in winter compared to summer, piling pressure on the NHS Its latest research found just 5 per cent of Scots with COPD were receiving “essential COPD care”, including treatment and support to stop smoking , pneumococcal and influenza vaccines and pulmonary rehab. Joseph Carter, head of the charity, said: “Scotland has one of the worst death rates from lung conditions in Europe, which must change urgently. “Struggling to breathe can be a terrifying and debilitating experience – it’s unacceptable that people living in our poorest communities with COPD are at greater risk of ending up in hospital fighting for their life.
Emergency admissions of people with lung conditions are a major part of winter pressures. “Only by ensuring that people with COPD get an early diagnosis, access to the treatment and support they need can we reduce pressure on our hospitals and reach the point where good lung health is a basic right enjoyed by all regardless of income.” Linda McLeod, 75 from Alloa was diagnosed with COPD 20 years ago.
She is also the chair of Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, a support group for people with respiratory illnesses. She said: “As the years have gone on, my COPD has progressed and now I’m finding the extreme fatigue can be quite debilitating due to the lack of oxygen. I am very aware of the dangers that the winter can bring.
“I have taken all my vaccinations, wrap up warm and try to avoid as much as possible picking up bugs and viruses. I also have emergency medication in the house such as antibiotics and steroids. “I find wood smoke and pollution from cars can be a big trigger and these get worse in winter when the air is colder.
We definitely see many of our members with COPD at Breathe Easy group struggling more in winter and people being admitted to hospital, which is a real shame.” Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond. Sign up to our daily newsletter .
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