Scotland facing sharp rise of people living with incurable chronic lung condition

Cases of people living with an incurable chronic lung condition is estimated to rise by two-thirds by 2044.

New data from Public Health Scotland estimates that the amount of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Scotland is set to rise by 63% from 134,257 cases in 2019 to 218,962 in 2044. This equates to an additional 84,704 people living with COPD in 2044 compared to 2019.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is where air cannot get out of the lungs easily (the airflow is obstructed).

COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or have smoked.

Jobs where people are exposed to dust fumes and chemicals also increase the risk of COPD, as well as air pollution or having chest trouble or asthma in childhood.

Public Health Scotland concludes that the projected increases in prevalence and burden of COPD are not inevitable – effective prevention at all levels can contribute to reducing the number of people developing COPD and assist those who live with COPD to live at lower levels of severity.

Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, the leading lung health charity, is calling for the Scottish Government to tackle the issue head on and develop a new strategy to prevent, diagnose and treat people living with COPD.

They also point to the issue of health inequalities, with Scotland’s poorest communities seeing higher rates of COPD mortality.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “This ticking COPD time bomb is deeply worrying. These increases are not inevitable though and with proper funding, dedicated resources and better diagnosis we will hopefully avoid this worst-case scenario. We need a new strategy to prevent, diagnose and treat people living with COPD and other lung conditions.

“Smoking is a leading cause of COPD, so we would like to see more help for people to quit and more action to tackle air pollution, including expanding LEZs and reducing the use of wood-burning stoves.

“Widening health inequalities is also an issue, with Scotland’s poorest communities seeing higher mortality rates of COPD than the more affluent. We only get one set of lungs, so we need to ensure that people get access to the treatment and support they need.”

Pam Channer says COPD affects 'every aspect of her life' — Pam Channer says COPD affects ‘every aspect of her life’

Pam Channer, aged 74, from Dunfermline. She has COPD, which was diagnosed around her 50th birthday whilst she was living in Australia.

“It was during the winter, and I hadn’t been well with a persistent cough, flu, and chest infection that wouldn’t go away even after treatment.

“I was sent for tests, and the doctor said it showed I had the beginnings of COPD, but it probably wouldn’t bother me for many years, so nothing to worry about.

“So, whilst the diagnosis was pretty quick, my understanding of COPD and its possible ramifications was not.

“I didn’t even know what COPD was, to be honest, which, as a heavy smoker, I probably should’ve done. I knew my Dad had it, but thought it was something similar to bronchitis, nothing more. I was given an inhaler which I used for years and years, monitored with regular spirometry tests.

“Now, as my condition is progressing, I’m on two different types of inhalers. There has been a marked deterioration in my condition during the last five years or so and it’s making a big difference to my life.

“I was told by a nurse to stay as healthy as you can, for as long as you can. So, I make sure I get as much exercise as I’m able. This is something you don’t realise to begin with. It’s completely counter-intuitive, because you can’t get your breath, you think you need to rest. Weight management and exercise is important to managing COPD.

“My condition affects absolutely everything, every aspect of my waking life and my sleeping life. There isn’t an area that hasn’t been affected especially in the last few years since the symptoms have become more noticeable.

“It’s not just the fact of not being able to walk very far or climb slopes, there’s also a tendency to not go out and to turn down social invitations; but you have to put things to the back of your mind and go and do as much as you can or otherwise it’s very easy just to stay at home.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Our Respiratory Care Action Plan sets out how we are working to improve prevention, diagnosis, care, treatment and support. We are also supporting more appropriate prescribing of medicines and the Centre for Sustainable Delivery is working with people living with COPD to develop new treatment pathways.

“We want to create a tobacco-free generation by 2034 and are working with partners to ensure we are reaching those in our communities who are in most need of support to quit smoking.

“Our clean air strategy, including introducing Low Emission Zones in four cities, means Scotland is currently meeting all of its air quality objectives.”