REPRESENTATIVES of the British Lung Foundation charity have been in the Island this week to inform patients about the support it can offer.
Its first Isle of Man patient and carer networking event was held yesterday at Keyll Darree next to Noble's Hospital and there is another event today (Tuesday).
The events are being supported by the Department of Health.
There are 1,217 registered patients in the Isle of Man with the lung condition Chronic Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with a further 2,500 patients believed to be undiagnosed. One person in every seven in the UK is affected by lung disease.
Yesterday's event was opened by guest speaker and chair of the British Lung Foundation in the North West Professor John Earis.
He is a leading respiratory consultant from the University Hospital Aintree.
Professor Earis said the charity has been in existence for 25 years. It started off as a research charity and then developed a patient services arm.
Its Breathe Easy support groups see members support one another and in some cases members have a voice on hospital and health care committees to give their views on how services should be developed.
Professor Earis said: "We are hear to encourage the development of a group on the Isle of Man."
The British Lung Foundation also offers many other services including a helpline, website and exercise classes.
COPD is highly preventable, Professor Earis said. The main cause is smoking but in some cases it can also be an occupational disease - caused by exposure to certain chemicals or dusts.
Robert Cooper, support and development manager at the British Lung Foundation for the North West said: "Being diagnosed with a lung condition can be a frightening, isolating and emotional time, not only for the person diagnosed but for their family, friends and carers.
"The British Lung Foundation support services provide support, information and advice for anyone affected and we want to extend this support to the Isle of Man."
Deborah Corrin, respiratory nurse specialist at Noble's Hospital, said: "With an increasing number of people now being affected by a debilitating range of lung conditions on our Island, the community needs to embrace the generous support being offered by the British Lung Foundation which will greatly enhance the support available to sufferers on the Island and help us tackle the disease."
Facts about COPD
1. COPD is the umbrella term for a number of lung conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It kills more people every year than breast, bowel or prostate cancer
2. COPD is a progressive, irreversible lung disease. It is both preventable and treatable. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can slow the progression of the illness
3. COPD is the fifth biggest killer in the UK and it is the only major cause of death whose incidence is on the increase
4. It is caused by smoking or exposure to environmental pollution and to hazards at work such as dust, fumes and gases. In a very small number of people it is caused by a genetic deficiency.
For more information about the British Lung Foundation see www.lunguk.org
