The Hibiscus Coast community, like the rest of New Zealand, could benefit from adopting new care standards for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to leading medical experts.

COPD, a group of diseases that block airflow and affect breathing, is the fourth leading cause of death in New Zealand, impacting around 200,000 people aged over 45.

Māori and Pacific populations face a disproportionate burden, with higher rates of diagnosis and severity of symptoms.

Dr Lutz Beckert, a respiratory specialist and Professor of Medicine at the University of Otago, has called for New Zealand to consider adopting the recently launched Australian COPD Clinical Care Standard.

This initiative outlines ten essential care strategies designed to reduce hospitalisation rates and improve quality of life for those living with the disease.

Dr Beckert highlighted the importance of making spirometry testing widely accessible, saying, “Funded spirometry for all New Zealand GPs could revolutionise COPD diagnosis, akin to how diabetes and breast cancer testing is funded.”

Spirometry is vital for early diagnosis and timely treatment, both of which are emphasised in the Australian model.

Dr Beckert also stressed the need for greater awareness of occupational risks.

“Exposure to vapours, gas, dust, or fine particles in some workplaces can increase the risk of lung disease by 40%, and when combined with smoking, the risk jumps to 620%,” he said.

Dr Lutz Beckert, University of Otago

Preventing workplace and environmental exposures is a key focus of the Australian Standard.

Respiratory specialist Dr James Wethasinghe pointed out that early symptoms of COPD, such as breathlessness, are often dismissed by patients as normal signs of ageing.

This delay in seeking medical attention can lead to severe health deterioration.

He believes campaigns like World COPD Awareness Day are essential for raising awareness and reducing stigma around the disease.

“COPD patients often feel isolated and struggle unnecessarily with daily symptoms. With earlier intervention and better access to diagnostics, we can significantly improve their quality of life,” he said.

Recent funding for Trelegy Ellipta, a triple-therapy inhaler for moderate to severe COPD, is expected to help approximately 15,000 Kiwis.

Amanda Southcombe, General Manager for GSK NZ, praised the initiative but noted that early detection and increased public awareness remain critical.

Medical professionals urge anyone experiencing persistent breathlessness or recurrent chest infections to consult their GP for evaluation.

Early diagnosis and effective treatment could make a significant difference in managing this life-altering condition.