Campaign targets Notts lung disease hotspots

HEALTH experts are targeting the areas of Notts worst affected by lung disease as part of a new campaign.

Love Your Lungs is being launched today in the county to tackle its high rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and includes debilitating lung diseases such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

New research by Nottingham's business information and credit data giant, Experian, has revealed the areas where risk of COPD is highest.

It shows the majority are in north Notts – though there are also hotspots in Arnold and Gamston.

Factors which lead to higher rates of COPD include smoking and poor diet, often caused by deprivation.

Experts from Love Your Lungs will visit some of the areas of the county with the highest rates from next month.

The events between 9am and 3pm will include free lung function tests, advice and information.

March 5 – Sainsbury's, Sir John Robinson Way, Arnold

March 10 – Asda, Old Mill Lane, Mansfield

March 11 – Morrisons, Lingsbar Road, Gamston

March 18 – Sainsbury's, Stoney Street, Beeston

March 26 – The Butter Market, Middle Gate, Newark.

Officials say the lung tests, which involve blowing into a tube, can help identify COPD early by working out how well people's lungs are working.

Love Your Lungs is being launched by the British Lung Foundation and primary care trust NHS Notts County.

Lindsay Price, senior public health manager for COPD at NHS Notts County, said symptoms of lung disease could easily go unchecked.

She said: "It is vital that people who are breathless or wheezy, or who are persistently coughing, come and get their lungs checked so they can receive the advice and support they need."

Retired salesman Joe Lyons wants to help raise awareness of the campaign after he and his wife were both diagnosed with a rare lung condition.

The retired salesman and his wife, Carol, both have Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, a genetic disorder which can leave the lungs lacking enzymes needed for basic defence.

It is thought the odds of two married people having the condition, which leaves sufferers prone to COPD, are more than six million to one.

Mr Lyons' mobility has been seriously, forcing him to give up work and many of his hobbies.

The 62-year-old said: "To be told all of a sudden that you should put your feet up and do nothing is very hard to deal with.

"I am in favour of pulmonary rehabilitation, which I think is fantastic in reducing symptoms, and it is clear to me that education helps you keep control.

"It's important that you manage your illness, not let your illness manage you."

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk