Farmers are at higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to the environment that they work in, where they may inhale dust particles and chemicals.

COPD is a common but treatable condition which describes a group of lung diseases that cause breathing difficulties.

“At the moment there's about 380,000 people living with COPD in Ireland, and out of that, two thirds that are not aware that they are living with it,” Katie McIntyre from COPD Support Ireland told the Irish Farmers Journal.

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COPD Support Ireland is a charity that was set up in 2013 to help support people that are living with the disease.

Symptoms

A person living with COPD may experience:

  • Chronic breathlessness that is getting worse, especially when active.
  • Chronic cough with or without phlegm.
  • The individual may have to slow down or stop to take a break when doing normal everyday activities like shopping, showering, dressing, walking.

    • Risk factors

  • Tobacco smoking is the main risk factor for developing COPD; however, you can develop COPD having never smoked.
  • Exposure to air pollution, inhaling dusts, chemicals or fumes in the workplace over many years.
  • Exposure to second-hand smoke for a long period.
  • An existing illness such as asthma.
  • Family history.

    • Diagnosis

    COPD can be diagnosed through a combination of medical history, a physical examination, assessment of symptoms, exposure to risk factors and a spirometry test.

    A spirometry test measures how much and how fast you can blow air out of your lungs.

    Other more detailed tests may be required in some cases.

    Support groups

    COPD Support Ireland is funded by the HSE to deliver weekly peer support and exercise groups across Ireland.

    Currently, 50 groups across the country meet weekly to take part in COPD tailored exercises and to chat to other people living with the same chronic lung condition.

    “They come together on a weekly basis, they do an exercise class tailored specifically for people living with COPD which would be key in self-managing their condition,” McIntyre explained.

    “They also get the opportunity to meet other people living with the same condition and I suppose its only people living with the same condition that can truly understand the challenges it can bring to your daily life.

    “They're a huge support to each other and it really does help people build confidence in managing their condition.”

    For more information visit www.copd.ie.