Lung disease kills 5,500 annually - Ireland has one of Europe's highest rates
Ireland has the third-highest death rate from lung disease in Western Europe, with 5,500 people dying from it yearly.
It is estimated that one in five deaths here is caused by lung disease - more than heart disease.
Ireland's first-ever National Lung Health Awareness Week takes place next week, as research shows many people are not aware of the symptoms of the disease.
Nearly six in 10 people surveyed by Ipsos MRBI did not know that a persistent cough was a symptom of lung disease.
During National Lung Health Awareness Week, a roadshow will offer free lung testing, and the public will be encouraged to have their lung health checked regularly by a doctor.
The category of illnesses we call "lung disease" is made up of a wide range of conditions, including asthma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, tuberculosis, sleep apnoea, lung fibrosis, sarcoidosis, alpha one antitrypsin deficiency, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
