National Lung Health Awareness Week takes place from the 22nd September and runs until the 29th September.
During this period, a national roadshow will visit Dublin, Cork, Galway and Portlaoise (Ireland's Healthy Town of 2014) offering free lung testing.
To coincide with this, Ipsos MBRI has conducted a survey which reveals that one in every two people in Ireland is affected by lung disease, either personally or through a family member.
The survey, conducted on behalf of the Irish Lung Health Alliance, also reveals that only 18% of people have had their lungs tested in the past five years.
The incidence of experience of lung disease, either personally or through a family member, was reported higher among women (53 per cent versus 44 per cent among the male population. It was also found to be higher among young people aged 15 to 24 years (58 per cent)
Asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, sleep apnoea, lung fibrosis, sarcoidosis, alpha one antitrypsin deficiency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, bronchitis or emphysema, all come under the description of lung disease.
The survey also revealed other facts: lung disease is the most common reason to visit a GP and it is the third most common reason for acute hospital admission.
Professor Anthony O'Regan, Consultant Respiratory Physician, and spokesperson for the Irish Lung Health Alliance, said: "We have known for some time that lung disease is a major health problem in Ireland.
"The Irish Lung Health Alliance is therefore calling on the Department of Health to lead the development of a new National Programme for Healthy Lungs in Ireland.
"The aim of this would be to map out a detailed strategy for improving lung health and the resources required, as well as to identify ambitious but achievable targets in improving our population's lung health. Of course, for the public it's important to emphasise that, in the majority of cases, lung disease is preventable.
"Unfortunately, there is a poor awareness among people about the importance of having their doctor check for lung disease and, if necessary, organise lung tests such as spirometry".
The National Lung Health Awareness Week roadshow will visit the following locations from 11am to 3pm each day. It is important to note that in order to avail of
free spirometry lung testing, pre-registration
here is recommended.
Dublin – September 22nd, Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2
Cork - September 23rd, Devere Hall, UCC
Galway – September 24th, Aula Maxima, NUIG
Portlaoise – September 25th, Parish Centre, Portlaoise
