A major new report on the burden of lung disease on Ireland’s population has been published.  “Respiratory Health of the Nation 2018” provides an overview of the impact of respiratory disease in the country as well as information on 11 common respiratory conditions and their impact on two key population groups – children and older people.  The report draws information from a range of sources and provides the most accurate and comprehensive picture to date of our nation’s respiratory health.

Unfortunately, Ireland has the highest hospitalisation rate for COPD among selected of OECD countries.  Importantly, the chapter on COPD includes information on the high prevalence of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (Alpha-1) in Ireland which is the best known genetic risk factor for COPD.  We thank the report authors for including information on Alpha-1 which highlights the large numbers affected in Ireland. 

There are a number of possible reasons for the high rates of COPD and COPD hospitalisation in Ireland including our high prevalence of Alpha-1.  Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland believes that systematic testing for Alpha-1 could help to reduce the burden of COPD and help people live longer and healthier lives.  The test is a simple blood test and is provided for free by Alpha-1 Foundation Ireland.  

To read more about the report and the official launch click here. 

To read the report in full click here.