Ireland has the second-highest number of deaths from respiratory diseases in Europe with only Kazakhstan recording higher fatalities, a report published today finds.
Ireland Needs Healthier Airways and Lungs - The Evidenceis published by the Irish Thoracic Society (ITS) and was compiled by consultant respiratory physicians Dr Neil Brennan and Dr Terry O'Connor.
Respiratory disease causes one in five deaths in Ireland, almost twice the EU average, and is the most common reasons for visiting a GP and the third most common reason for acute admission to hospital.
It is also among among the most commonly reported long-term illnesses in young adults.
The ITS is calling for a properly funded strategy to tackle the rising health and economic burden of lung disease.
"Death rates and prevalence are either rising or higher than they should be, and the resources to effectively prevent, diagnose and treat these diseases are inadequate," said Dr Brennan.
Dr JJ Gilmartin, president of the ITS said decisive action was needed immediately to stem the rising health and economic burden of the disease.
"We believe that this action should be underpinned by strong linkages between hospital, community and primary care. We believe this to be the best way forward for our patients," he said.