Dangers of lung disease raised

Two people a day are being diagnosed with a lung disease in Scotland.

Jim Simpson spoke about living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) as part of a national awareness week.

The cause of IPF isn’t fully understood, but scarring in the lungs makes breathing difficult for sufferers and can lead to respiratory failure and even death.

Mr Simpson, 71, has lived with the incurable disease for the past four years.

He said: “I consider myself lucky because my IPF was diagnosed early and so I was able to start the treatment straight away to hopefully slow

“Early diagnosis is key to prolonging your life”

down the spread of it.”

More than 3,300 people in Scotland have the disease, with about 800 new diagnoses made each year.

During IPF awareness week, Mr Simpson is encouraging anyone with potential symptoms to take action.

He said: “IPF is an awful condition that eventually leaves people dependent on oxygen to keep them alive.

“It definitely creeps up on you, so I would urge anyone who is getting breathless for no apparent reason to go to their GP and get checked.

“Early diagnosis is key to prolonging your life.

“A lot of people would say that I’m unlucky to have IPF but I have managed to fulfil my dreams – travelling the world, dancing the night away and accomplishing things that I wasn’t sure I ever would.”

Mr Simpson is a member of the Grampian Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, which is supported by the Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland charity.

To find out more about the condition, visit chss. org.uk or call the CHSS Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.