Scots living in poverty seven times more likely to end up in hospital fighting for breath in winter

Scots living in poverty are seven times more likely to end up in the hospital fighting for breath during the winter season, according to new statistics. An analysis of NHS Scotland data highlights a significant disparity between the wealthiest and poorest individuals who suffer from the common lung condition COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Asthma + Lung UK Scotland conducted the research and found that winter hospital admissions for COPD were nearly seven times higher for the most deprived 20% of the population compared to the least deprived 20%.

In Scotland, approximately 140,000 people have been diagnosed with COPD, with tens of thousands more believed to be undiagnosed. As World COPD Day is commemorated, attention is drawn to the debilitating effects of the condition, also known as emphysema. Previous reports have indicated that individuals living in the most impoverished areas are three times more likely to succumb to a lung condition like COPD or asthma during the winter months.

With temperatures dropping in Scotland, recent data revealed that poorer households consume 21% less energy than other homes during cold weather, potentially leaving them vulnerable to health complications exacerbated by cold and damp housing conditions. Asthma + Lung UK Scotland noted a 50% increase in COPD admissions during winter compared to summer, straining the NHS resources.

The charity’s latest findings reveal that only 5% of Scots with COPD are receiving essential care, including treatment, smoking cessation support, vaccines, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Joseph Carter, the charity’s head, emphasized the urgent need to address Scotland’s high death rates from lung conditions by ensuring timely diagnosis and access to necessary care for all individuals, regardless of income level.

Linda McLeod, a 75-year-old from Alloa diagnosed with COPD two decades ago, underscored the challenges of managing the condition, particularly during the winter months. She highlighted the importance of vaccinations, staying warm, and avoiding triggers such as wood smoke and pollution. As chair of Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, a support group for those with respiratory illnesses, McLeod has witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by COPD patients during winter and the subsequent hospital admissions.

In summary, the alarming statistics reveal a stark reality for individuals living in poverty with COPD, highlighting the urgent need for improved access to care and support to reduce hospital admissions and ensure better lung health outcomes for all individuals, irrespective of their socioeconomic status.