This Wednesday will mark World COPD Day (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), more than two thirds of people thought to have COPD in Ireland have absolutely no idea that they have it.
As a result, experts have advised people to familiarise themselves with the condition and more importantly the warning signs.
Cavan woman Patricia Gilhooley has been fighting COPD for a number of years, and had to under go a lung transplant following her diagnosis back in 2014.
Speaking to Shannonside Northern Sound, Patricia revealed that prior to her diagnosis, she was out of breath a lot and coughing continuously.
Before the operation, Patricia said she was simply existing and nothing more due to the pain she was in, and since the lung transplant she feels as though she has been given her life back again.
Despite this, Patricia said her COPD symptoms were progressive and that she ignored them for too long.
As a result, she has advised people who think they may be living with the condition, to get checked by a GP as soon as possible:
