Charity urges govt to focus on lung health

The British Lung Foundation has called on politicians to back proposals designed to improve medical care and support for people with lung disease.

According to the charity's suggested health strategy, providing lung function tests on the NHS Healthcheck programme, increasing diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea and taking measures to reduce harmful emissions, among other things, could make a difference.

Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "We urge as many politicians as possible to show their support for the manifesto.

"It is vital that the next government adopts these challenges to ensure treatment and care of people affected by lung disease is improved and the nations lung health."

She added that more than eight million people are affected by pulmonary conditions in the UK, making lung disease the nation's second biggest killer.

There are more than 40 conditions which affect the lungs and airways, and can have an impact on a person’s ability to breathe.

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