Image: Shutterstock/Inez Carter Image: Shutterstock/Inez Carter LEADING RESPIRATORY EXPERTS have warned that Ireland faces a lung disease crisis if urgent action is not taken to increase resources.
The experts say the most at risk are those who have recovered from the acute stage of Covid-19, as well as those who are already living with a respiratory condition but who have not been able to access timely treatment and care. According to the society, Covid-19 has inflicted a “triple-whammy” on lung health because of reduced access to healthcare services.In 2016, respiratory disease was the cause of one in five deaths in Ireland and the country’s death rate from respiratory disease was the fourth highest in the EU and 38% higher than the EU average.
The society has called for an increase in the number of respiratory specialists as well as continued development and application of technology.