Valleys 'hotspot' for lung disease

Deaths from lung disease are increasing in Wales

Pensioners are 30% more likely to die from lung diseases in the south Wales valleys than in other parts of the UK, according to the government.

Figures from a survey published on Thursday by the British Lung Foundation found it was one of the UK's top five spots for respiratory diseases.

The findings reflect the industrial history of the area, with many elderly people dying of work-related lung diseases such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

But high levels of smoking have also been identified as a factor, particularly in socially deprived areas.

Killer

The report, Breathing Fear, is based on a survey of members of the BLF, and shows many live in fear of a "lung attack" - a sudden worsening of symptoms including extreme breathlessness that can lead to extended stays in hospital.

Jeane Brown is an emphysema sufferer, and said it changed her life completely.

"All I know is I couldn't breathe, it's like I put a plastic bag around my head or cling film," she said.

"My heart was going a hundred to the dozen."

Early diagnosis

Jeane Brown - Emphysema sufferer

An estimated three million people have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD covers conditions like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Experts said the findings highlighted the need to diagnose the condition much earlier.

"Death from COPD is still all too common," said Professor William MacNee, of the University of Edinburgh.

"We must diagnose this disease earlier and act more swiftly to prevent potentially life-threatening attacks. The absolute misery and emptiness that has to be endured by patients with COPD is totally unnecessary."

Rachel Booker, a member of the British Thoracic Society's consortium on COPD, urged patients with symptoms of the disease to seek early medical advice.

"We want patients to present. We need to diagnose them as early as possible," she said.