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Bass Coast Faces Epidemic Of A Deadly Lung Disease

Research shows that one in six* Australians 45 or over has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the vast majority are unaware they have it.

By Bass Coast Shire - 21st November 2005 - Back to News

This equates to around 1900 people in Bass Coast who have the deadly lung disease, which must be managed to control debilitating symptoms.

COPD is a group of disorders that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is Australia’s fourth biggest killer, and the third leading cause of disease burden, after heart disease and stroke.

Bass Coast Shire Council and The Australian Lung Foundation are calling upon Australians aged 45 or over who experience shortness of breath to speak with their doctor about a simple lung test.

"Australian Lung Foundation research shows that three quarters of people with COPD don’t know that they have it – that means that they aren’t taking crucial steps to limit its progress," warned Council’s Community Services Manager, Neville Kurth.

"This means that 1900 people in Bass Coast could be living with COPD and don’t know it."

Mr Kurth went on to explain that medical specialists are becoming increasingly concerned about the impact of COPD upon women, as they have a greater risk of developing the disease through physical and environmental factors.

"Lung disease is no longer just a problem for men – women need to be aware of the symptoms too," said Mr Kurth.

The Australian Lung Foundation recommends that people 45 or over should see their GP about a simple lung function test if they have any of the following:

• Shortness of breath compared with others their age
• A repetitive cough with phlegm / mucus most days
• And a history of cigarette smoking (now or in the past)

"If you have any of the symptoms of COPD go and see your GP and ask for a breathing test now – it could make all the difference to your quality of life as you get older," said Professor Christine Jenkins, Department of Respiratory Medicine at Sydney’s Concord Hospital.

"Many people may mistake their symptoms as signs of ageing or lack of fitness, hence ignoring the disease until it is much more advanced and everyday activities like going for a short walk become difficult," said Professor Jenkins.

Professor Jenkins explained that COPD can be managed to help people breathe easier and improve quality of life if it is identified early and action is taken to prevent its progress – including stopping smoking.

"The main cause of COPD is smoking. Women may be more likely to suffer from COPD because they have smaller lungs and airways and more sensitive airways, causing them to develop COPD at lower levels of smoking than men," she said.

Mr Kurth pointed out that the Bass Coast Shire had the highest level of smoking caused deaths in Victoria (15.13%) as compared with the rest of Victoria for same period (12.15%).

Recent Australian research has also found that women may be at greater risk than men of COPD from occupational exposure to biological dust, common in many female-dominated industries, such as nursing and allied healthcare, food, textiles, art and cleaning. Other risk factors include indoor and outdoor air pollution, environmental tobacco smoke, chest infections and some genetic predispositions.

People with COPD and their carers can also contact the Australian Lung Foundation to find local support groups, to help them understand and best manage their condition. For further information, help and support please call for free on 1800 654 301 or visit www.lungnet.com.au.

* Research undertaken in three inner south-eastern Melbourne electorates among 1,224 adults aged between 45 and 69 (95% CI, 15.3% - 21.6%).

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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