Kells woman shares powerful story as NI charity highlights 56% rise in incurable lung condition

Helen Gage lives with COPD and has lent her support to NICHS’s Hall of Hope at Antrim Area Hospital to inform and inspire other respiratory patients and their families.

A Kells woman living with an incurable lung condition has urged others to seek help early, as new figures reveal the number of people in Northern Ireland diagnosed with COPD has risen by 56% in just 17 years.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS) is using COPD Awareness Month this November to shine a spotlight on the condition and the symptoms people should look out for, amid growing concerns about its increasing prevalence.

‘The difference it has made to my health has been significant’

Helen Gage, from Kells, lives with COPD and says the support she received from NICHS has been life-changing.

Helen said:

“The local health trust referred me to NICHS and one of their Care Services Coordinators, came out to see me. He signposted me to a lot of groups, courses and services. He gave me lots of great information which has all been very helpful.

“For example, with diet, I didn’t realise how much harm I was doing to myself with a lot of the stuff I was eating.”

Helen admitted she was initially unsure about pulmonary rehabilitation.

“I was contacted about doing pulmonary rehab through my health trust and I wasn’t sure about it, but NICHS encouraged me to go, and I loved it! I enjoyed the exercise element of it and signed up for the gym after the course finished and now go a few days a week.”

She added:

“All the help from NICHS has helped set me on a good path but I also wanted to do whatever I could to help myself on my journey. Between making changes to my lifestyle, giving up smoking, joining the gym and eating better, along with NICHS’s support, the difference it has made to my health has been significant.”

Over 44,200 people living with COPD in NI

NICHS says the condition is far more common than many people realise.

Ursula Ferguson, Director of Care Services at NICHS, said:

“Over 44,200 people are estimated to be living with COPD in Northern Ireland. COPD occurs when the lungs become inflamed, damaged, and narrowed and it is the name for a group of conditions which cause breathing difficulties including chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

“COPD is usually associated with long-term exposure to irritants. In the majority of cases, smoking is the cause, however, occupational, or environmental factors, such as dust or chemicals can also cause the condition.”

She urged the public to pay attention to potential symptoms.

“This COPD Awareness Month we want to highlight the symptoms of COPD, so the public can recognise a potential health issue and seek further help and advice. Symptoms of COPD can include a persistent cough, wheezing, the production of mucus or phlegm, shortness of breath and chest infections.

“We would urge anyone who is experiencing these symptoms to contact a medical professional. Although COPD cannot be cured, its symptoms can be treated and in turn, quality of life can be improved.”

‘Invisible illnesses’ that change lives

The charity says many people underestimate the daily challenges faced by those with COPD.

Ursula said:

“Respiratory conditions are not always obvious to others and are often referred to as ‘invisible illnesses’. Often, people do not realise the impact respiratory conditions like COPD can have on someone’s life, as well as the lives of their families and carers. This means they don’t always receive the necessary support and understanding, but Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke is here to help.”

Their services include family support, the Breathing Better education programme, Wellness Sessions, the Inspire Choir, the Taking Control Self Management Programme and tailored assistance for carers.

“Our team works throughout Northern Ireland with people of all ages affected by respiratory conditions. They are dedicated to supporting people in adjusting to life with a respiratory condition, helping them to enjoy life to the full, re-engage with hobbies, and improve their confidence, independence, and overall wellbeing,” Ursula added.

Comber man describes daily struggles

Billy Aitcheson from Comber

Another NICHS client, Billy Aitcheson from Comber, said he relies on support sessions to help manage his condition.

Billy explained:

“I am short of breath, and I do feel tightness in my chest. Walking up a hill with some shopping for example exhausts me and I would be wheezing. I have a walking stick with a built-in seat and a mobility scooter to help me now and prevent me falling. Even talking for a long while leads to me getting short of breath and my voice starts to crackle.”

He said NICHS’s Breathing Better Wellness Sessions have been invaluable:

“I love every minute of it. You get to meet new people, have a chat and a laugh, talk about issues affecting us, learn from each other, get ideas on how to try dealing with something in a way you hadn’t thought of before; it’s great. I have also completed the Taking Control Self-Management Programme which provides a range of skills to help you to manage your condition better and improve your confidence.”

Hall of Hope launched in Antrim Area Hospital

NICHS recently installed a respiratory Hall of Hope at Antrim Area Hospital.

NICHS recently installed its first Respiratory Hall of Hope at Antrim Area Hospital, featuring messages from clients including Helen and Billy.

Ursula said:

“Through the hall we hope to inform, inspire, encourage and give hope to respiratory patients and their families. We want to highlight there is hope after being diagnosed with a chest related illness and the ways our charity can help with recovery once someone leaves hospital.”

Anyone seeking support can visit nichs.org.uk/chest-support for more information.