Almost half of people in Waterford living with a type of chronic lung disease remain undiagnosed.

COPD, or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, affects almost half a million people in Ireland.

Its symptoms include shortness of breath and persistent coughing.

Now people in Waterford who have concerns over COPD or asthma, are being encouraged to contact a new helpline.

The COPD Adviceline is available at 1800 83 21 46. The Asthma Adviceline is available on 1800 44 54 64.

Michael Drohan is from the Waterford COPD support group. He says the new adviceline is a brilliant service. “It’s run by a respiratory nurse specialist, they’re as good as consultants some of them.
“You can talk to them about anything. I was talking to some of my own group members and they were talking [to the helpline] about exercise and how important exercise is.” He said they really helped one man who was finding it very difficult to exercise.

Professor JJ Gilmartin, Chairperson of COPD Support Ireland, said: “500,000 people In Ireland have COPD and estimates suggest that 50% of these people are undiagnosed. If you find yourself experiencing COPD symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, coughing up mucus/phlegm and wheezing, you should see a doctor who can help you investigate if you may have COPD – especially if you are over 40 years old. Being diagnosed with COPD will allow you to get in control of your condition and avail of all our COPD services which includes the COPD and Asthma Adviceline.”

Sarah O’Connor, CEO of the Asthma Society of Ireland, said “It is so important that people with COPD and asthma properly control their conditions and the joint COPD and Asthma Adviceline is the perfect way for them to do so. Pick up the phone to the Adviceline on 1800 832 146 – it’s a great first step in taking charge of your COPD and/or asthma and moving toward a better quality of life.

The Adviceline’s respiratory nurse specialists work through every aspect of life with callers who have asthma and/or COPD. They can help with what to do in the event of COPD emergency, the signs and symptoms of COPD, answer questions after a GP or consultant appointment, deal with triggers that may cause a serious escalation, help you put a COPD self-management plan in place, including smoking cessation and exercise plans. After speaking to one of our nurses, you’ll be fully equipped with the information and skills you need to improve your health and to stay as well as possible.”