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Half of Britons are unaware of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition whose treatment costs the National Health Service (NHS) an impressive £2 billion each year.
COPD, which includes lung diseases such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is responsible for 30,000 deaths a year, the Mirror reported.
It is estimated that 1.2 million adults in the UK are already living with the disease, with the number expected to rise by 40% over the next six years.
The condition can be triggered by smoking, air pollution, asthma and even genetic factors.
Although 87% of UK adults are aware of the condition, most could not identify some of its underlying causes in a survey conducted ahead of World COPD Day (20 November).
Gabriel Lambert, spokesperson for respiratory health technology company TidalSense, which commissioned the survey, stressed that recognising the underlying causes could help the public take action to prevent or manage the disease.
"Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to managing COPD and improving the quality of life for those affected," Lambert said.
"Greater public awareness may not only prompt people to seek medical advice earlier, but also lead to healthier habits and potentially reduce the burden on the NHS," he added.
The study results reveal that adults are often unaware of the symptoms caused by COPD.
A shocking 25% of respondents were unaware that breathlessness could be a symptom of COPD, more than half were unaware that it could cause fatigue and 43% had no idea that sufferers often develop chest infections.
"The results of this study highlight a critical gap in public understanding of COPD, a disease that affects millions but remains largely misunderstood," Lambert commented.
"Despite being one of the UK's leading causes of death, it is clear that much of the public is unaware of its symptoms or underlying causes. This lack of awareness is worrying as it means people are less likely to seek early help or make lifestyle changes that could protect their lung health," the expert stressed.
Worryingly, a fifth of those surveyed admitted they would wait a month or more before seeking treatment for symptoms such as breathlessness or a persistent cough, not understanding that they were potentially fatal. | BGNES
