Imagine if New Zealand was smokefree

Media Statement
The Asthma Foundation
19 November 2014

World COPD Day – November 19

Imagine if New Zealand was smokefree – COPD would be a rare disease

On World COPD Day we encourage the government to continue to work towards our goal of a smokefree Aotearoa by 2025.

Dr Kyle Perrin, medical director for the Asthma Foundation dares us to imagine if New Zealand became smokefree – “the debilitating condition that is COPD would be a rare disease and not something that affects over 200,000 New Zealanders."

COPD is a chronic lung disease that is usually caused by smoking.

Those with COPD have shortness of breath, usually with exertion, and a productive, phlegmy cough -- making many normal tasks difficult.

When unwell they can take a long time to recover due to poor lung function.

People often ignore these symptoms until they are severe.

It is estimated that 1 in 7 New Zealanders aged 45 and over has COPD – or more than 200,000 people.

We advocate for continuing to increase taxes on cigarettes, banning smoking in cars so that children do not suffer from the harmful effects of smoke and implementation of a register of tobacco retailers so that the Ministry of Health can administer compliance information directly.

Recently, more than a third of the retailers monitored in a controlled purchase operation in Wellington failed to comply with the Smoke--free Environments Act and sold tobacco to minors.

2025 is just over 10 years away.

“There is still so much work to do to ensure that New Zealand is smokefree and the harmful effects of smoke longer affect our children.

We need to continue to move forward for the health of our country."

The Foundation urges people with breathing problems or coughing to visit their doctor to get tested for COPD because early detection can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.

You can also contact your local asthma society or trust.

World COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Day is organised by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

RELEASE ENDS

COPD facts and figures:

COPD has a substantial impact on the health of New Zealanders.

Although often undiagnosed, it affects an estimated 15 percent of the adult population over the age of 45 years (at least 200,000 New Zealanders).

More than 85 percent of the burden of COPD arises from tobacco smoking, with contributions from cannabis use and dust exposure in the workplace.

COPD is the fourth leading cause of death after cancer, heart disease and stroke.

COPD is an irreversible disease but is almost entirely preventable by avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke.

Over 15 percent of all smokers are likely to become affected.

COPD Is estimated to cost up to $192 million in direct health care costs each year.

In 2011 COPD was responsible for an estimated 12,000 hospital admissions and over 50,000 bed days.

COPD accounts for about 200,000 GP visits and more than 453,300 prescribed medications.

The Burden of COPD in New Zealand summary report: http://asthmafoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/burdenCOPD.pdf

About the Asthma Foundation

The Asthma Foundation is New Zealand’s sector authority on asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

We advocate to government and raise awareness of respiratory illnesses, fund research for better treatments and educate on best practice.

We provide resources on our website and support our affiliated asthma societies and trusts in providing education, support and advice.

For more information, visit the Asthma Foundation’s website at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz or go to www.copdgold.org.

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