Latest news with #ChronicObstructivePulmonaryDisease
RTÉ News
8 hours ago
- Health
- RTÉ News
International cycling tour to raise awareness for COPD reaches Galway
Ireland's former professional cycling champion Sean Kelly and Italy's Claudio Chiappucci are in Galway for the last leg of an international tour to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Over 400,000 people are affected by the respiratory condition in Ireland. The cyclists joined Frenchman Philippe Poncet, who led the final stage of the tour with a portable oxygen device. From the Claddagh area in Galway City to Letterfrack in Conemara - this is no ordinary bike ride. It is a long and challenging 85km for elite cyclists. However, the man leading the team, Mr Poncet, is quite possibly the only COPD patient capable of cycling these distances. He is a world record holder for cycling speeds despite being diagnosed with stage 4 COPD in 2008. Mr Poncet needs oxygen 24/7 as his lungs operate at only 30% capacity. He will be stopping off along the route to replenish supplies. He said: "At this level, people don't look very well because many are dying or at the hospital or just in the armchair, right? "So this is an obstruction and destruction of the respiratory system. "So it's like you're underwater, and you try to breathe. It's not possible. But I want to raise awareness of the condition and help people who live with this disease. "To be able to cycle in the mountains is my greatest pleasure. It's what pushes me to move beyond COPD physically and mentally." Mr Poncet's remarkable story prompted former Irish champion cyclist Sean Kelly to support the COPD awareness campaign He said: "Well, it's hard to believe. Philippe is an amazing man. When they told me you know, how it'll worked, that somebody would accompany him on an 85km cycle through Conemara with his oxygen tank beside him. "It's just an amazing achievement to be able to do that. So yeah, that's part of the reason why I'm here, just to get involved and highlight COPD and give other sufferers encouragement and hope." COPD is the name given to a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is the third leading cause of death globally and affects more than 400,000 people in Ireland. Mr Poncet was supported on his journey with respiratory assistance. Two pulmonary professors, Sean Gaine and Michael McWeeney also cycled with him. Mr Gaine said: "Philippe is a remarkable man. He has very advanced COPD, and he's going to cycle today on oxygen, about 15 litres of oxygen per minute, so it's a huge endeavor. "It's difficult and it's fraught as well. But he's done this before to highlight that even if you have a chronic disease, you can you can do more because exercise is an important part of the treatment plan. "So if you're well, you need exercise. But if you're not well, exercise is important as well. You can do enormous things to keep your resilience and keep you strong." Professor McWeeney agrees, saying: "It's so motivational for him to be doing this. It's inspirational for the rest of us, even those that are healthy because this is a significant event, and for him to do it with the limitation that he feels every minute, it's wonderful for patients to see that it's possible for them to get out and be able to do something like this. "I mean the benefits they get from the perspective of their lungs and the rehabilitation that it offers is huge, and it's great to see it showcased here in the Galway." The COPD Tour is endorsed by the UCI World Cycling Centre and supported by Cycling Ireland. President of Cycling Ireland Ciaran Cannon said: "It's a really strong message, that we should all listen to. He has proven conclusively that you can exercise through your illness, and that exercise actually has a therapeutic benefit accruing to you, while you are ill. "This is the message we consistently give to our 26,000 members of cycling Ireland, across the country. "Exercise is for all ages. Exercise is a hugely preventative measure that one can take to avoid becoming ill later in life. So it's a therapy. It's free. "All it requires is that you pick up your bike on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning and you head off with a few friends. Do 10 kilometers, do 100 kilometers. That's up to you. "But all of that brings you a benefit throughout life and I suppose that that's the real message that Philippe is giving us here today."
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Health
- Time Business News
How an Online Pulmonologist Can Help You Breathe Easier from Anywhere
Breathing problems can be frightening whether it's a lingering cough, wheezing, or a chronic condition like asthma or COPD. But getting expert care for your lungs no longer requires traveling to a specialist or waiting weeks for an appointment. With the rise of telehealth, you can now consult an online pulmonologist from the comfort of your home wherever you are in the world. Let's explore how virtual pulmonology is transforming access to respiratory care and why so many patients are choosing this option. A pulmonologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the respiratory system including the lungs, airways, and related structures. They diagnose and treat conditions such as: Asthma Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Bronchitis Sleep apnea Post-COVID complications Allergic airway diseases Interstitial lung disease An online pulmonologist offers the same expertise, but via secure video consultations. Patients can receive diagnoses, treatment plans, second opinions, and follow-ups all without visiting a clinic. Whether you're managing a chronic lung condition or just concerned about recent symptoms, virtual care can be a smart, safe solution. Patients who benefit the most include: Individuals with asthma or COPD who require regular check-ins or who require regular check-ins People experiencing shortness of breath , cough, or chest tightness , cough, or chest tightness Those recovering from respiratory infections or COVID-19 Patients needing a second opinion or evaluation before surgery or evaluation before surgery Travelers or expats without local access to lung specialists Anyone with limited mobility or access to in-person care Here are some of the top reasons patients are switching to virtual lung care: At platforms like OurExpertDoc, you connect with American Board-Certified pulmonologists who practice in U.S. hospitals and clinics. That means you're receiving care aligned with the highest global standards. Skip the waitlists. Most patients can book same-day or next-day appointments, especially helpful when dealing with new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Every virtual doctor consultation is conducted via encrypted, secure platforms that protect your health data and privacy. Whether you're at home, traveling, or living abroad, all you need is a device and internet access. There's no need to commute, take time off work, or deal with traffic and crowded waiting rooms. Consulting an online respiratory specialist is simple: Book your appointment at a time that works for you. Upload any past reports, X-rays, or test results. Join a secure video call and discuss your symptoms, history, or treatment concerns. Receive a diagnosis, personalized care plan, or prescriptions (where applicable). Follow up as needed, often with the same pulmonologist for continuity of care. Doctors can also recommend further diagnostic tests if needed — like a spirometry test or sleep study and guide you through the next steps. At OurExpertDoc, patients receive expert guidance for: Chronic coughs or shortness of breath Asthma management and medication reviews COPD treatment plans and flare-up prevention Post-viral or long-COVID breathing issues Lung nodules or abnormal chest X-rays Allergic rhinitis and upper airway disorders The doctors are trained to distinguish between routine issues and serious conditions and will always advise when in-person care or testing is needed. OurExpertDoc makes it easy to schedule an appointment with a trusted U.S. lung specialist. Here's what sets it apart: Licensed, pulmonologists 24/7 booking availability HIPAA-compliant, secure consultations Clear medical reports and actionable advice Second opinion services for complex respiratory cases Whether you're managing your asthma or need expert evaluation for chronic breathlessness, help is just a few clicks away. Don't wait for your symptoms to get worse. Whether you're looking for reassurance, clarity, or a new treatment plan, a virtual consultation can bring the answers you need, fast, securely, and from wherever you are. Book your appointment with a trusted online pulmonologist today and take control of your lung health with confidence. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP says people with breathing issues may be eligible to £9,000 annual payments
DWP says people with breathing issues may be eligible to £9,000 annual payments According to the latest figures, 137,957 people in the UK currently receive PIP for these conditions. If you have a respiratory condition that affects your daily life you could be eligible for PIP (Image: Getty ) You could be entitled to up to £749 monthly from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you are living with one of more than 20 respiratory conditions. If any of these breathing issues affect your daily life, you might qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The most recent data from the DWP reveals that as of January's end, approximately 137,957 individuals were receiving PIP to assist with a respiratory condition. This figure also encompasses 1,251 residents in Scotland whose existing PIP claim is yet to be transferred to Adult Disability Payment (ADP). These conditions encompass severe asthma, upper respiratory tract disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and asbestosis among others. As reported by the Daily Record, a successful PIP or ADP claim can provide between £29.20 and £187.45 weekly in additional financial support - a maximum of £8,988 a year. Since the benefit is disbursed every four weeks, this equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 each pay period. The latest statistics from Asthma and Living UK indicate that there are currently 5.4 million people across the UK undergoing treatment for asthma, including 68,000 residents in Scotland, equivalent to one in 14. The charity's data also reveals that around 160,000 individuals nationwide are diagnosed with asthma annually and that approximately 250,000 adults and children are living with severe asthma. Respiratory conditions eligible for PIP include: Article continues below Emphysema Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration Pneumoconiosis incluing asbestosis, pneumoconiosis - coal workers, and silicosis Sarcoidosis Pneumonia Diseases of the upper respiratory tract including sleep apnoea - obstructive Pulmonary fibrosis including extrinsic allergic alveolitis, and fibrosing alveolitis Disease of the pleura including empyema, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and lung transplantation Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Asthma Heart and lung transplantation Lower respiratory tract - other diseases of/type not known Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary embolus Bronchiectasis Chronic bronchitis When it comes to understanding PIP claims, note that the determinations are made on how a person's condition, long-term illness or disability impacts their daily life, and not on the basis of the medical condition itself. The DWP clarifies this within the current version of the online PIP Handbook. According to the official guidance found on "As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant's condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence." Eligibility for PIP or ADP help For eligibility for PIP or ADP, people must be experiencing difficulties with day-to-day living or mobility (or both) for at least three months and expect these challenges to persist for a minimum of nine months. Typically, you must have resided in the UK for at least two of the past three years and be present in the country at the time of application. In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP: Article continues below Working out a route and following it Leaving your home Washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence Eating, drinking or preparing food Physically moving around Making decisions about money Talking, listening, reading and understanding Dressing and undressing Managing your medicines or treatments Mixing with other people If you're terminally ill, different rules apply. You can find these on the website here. To initiate a new claim, contact the DWP. All the necessary information for application is available on the website here.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
DWP offers £749 PIP a month for asthma and other respiratory conditions
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info If you suffer from a respiratory health condition that impacts your daily life, it might be worth investigating if you're eligible for financial aid from the Government. Personal Independence Payments are given to individuals who have a long-term health condition and experience difficulties performing everyday tasks or moving around due to their condition. PIP is divided into two components - a daily living part if you require assistance with everyday tasks, and a mobility part if you need help getting around. Whether you receive one or both parts and the amount you receive depends on how challenging you find everyday tasks and movement. What many people may not realise is that those affected by respiratory conditions could also qualify for this benefit. Individuals with severe asthma, upper respiratory tract disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asbestosis, and other health issues affecting their breathing could be eligible for PIP. According to data from the Department for Work and Pensions, as of the end of January, approximately 137,957 people were receiving PIP to assist with a respiratory condition. PIP is valued between £29.20 and £187.45 per week and, since the benefit is paid every four weeks, this equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 each pay period. According to figures from Asthma and Living UK, the UK is home to 5.4 million individuals undergoing asthma treatment. Additionally, the statistics indicate that roughly 160,000 people across the nation receive an asthma diagnosis annually, while approximately 250,000 adults and children live with severe asthma, as reported by the Daily Record, Number of people claiming PIP for respiratory conditions - January 2025 Scotland: 1,261 (does not include ADP claimants) England and Wales: 136,611 Living Abroad: 67 Unknown: 30 Great Britain total: 137,957 Respiratory conditions Diseases of the upper respiratory tract Sleep apnoea - obstructive Upper respiratory tract - Other diseases of / type not known Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Bronchiectasis Cystic Fibrosis Asthma Pulmonary fibrosis Extrinsic allergic alveolitis Fibrosing alveolitis Pulmonary fibrosis - Other / type not known Pneumoconiosis Asbestosis Pneumoconiosis - coal workers Pneumoconiosis - Other / type not known Silicosis Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration - Other / type not known Sarcoidosis Disease of the pleura Empyema Pleura - Other diseases of / type not known Pleural effusion Pneumothorax Lung transplantation Heart and lung transplantation Pulmonary embolus Pneumonia Lower respiratory tract - Other diseases of / type not known The most important thing to understand about the PIP claims process is that awards are based on how your condition, long-term illness or disability affects you, not the actual condition itself. The DWP makes this distinction clear in the current edition of the online PIP Handbook. The guidance on explains: 'As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant's condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence.' When you are assessed for PIP, a health professional will look at your ability to carry out a range of daily living activities and mobility activities. The health professional will consider whether your health condition or disability limits your ability to carry out the activities and how much help you need with them. The health professional will then write a report for the PIP decision maker who will use all the evidence and decide whether you are entitled to the benefit, at what rate and for how long. PIP is made up of two parts, the daily living component and the mobility component. Each component can be paid at either the standard rate or the enhanced rate. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number dates and addresses for any time you've spent abroad, in a care home or hospital Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Health
- North Wales Live
DWP offers £749 PIP a month for asthma and other respiratory conditions
If you suffer from a respiratory health condition that impacts your daily life, it might be worth investigating if you're eligible for financial aid from the Government. Personal Independence Payments are given to individuals who have a long-term health condition and experience difficulties performing everyday tasks or moving around due to their condition. PIP is divided into two components - a daily living part if you require assistance with everyday tasks, and a mobility part if you need help getting around. Whether you receive one or both parts and the amount you receive depends on how challenging you find everyday tasks and movement. What many people may not realise is that those affected by respiratory conditions could also qualify for this benefit. Individuals with severe asthma, upper respiratory tract disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Asbestosis, and other health issues affecting their breathing could be eligible for PIP. According to data from the Department for Work and Pensions, as of the end of January, approximately 137,957 people were receiving PIP to assist with a respiratory condition. PIP is valued between £29.20 and £187.45 per week and, since the benefit is paid every four weeks, this equates to between £116.80 and £749.80 each pay period. According to figures from Asthma and Living UK, the UK is home to 5.4 million individuals undergoing asthma treatment. Additionally, the statistics indicate that roughly 160,000 people across the nation receive an asthma diagnosis annually, while approximately 250,000 adults and children live with severe asthma, as reported by the Daily Record, Number of people claiming PIP for respiratory conditions - January 2025 Scotland: 1,261 (does not include ADP claimants) England and Wales: 136,611 Living Abroad: 67 Unknown: 30 Great Britain total: 137,957 Respiratory conditions Diseases of the upper respiratory tract Sleep apnoea - obstructive Upper respiratory tract - Other diseases of / type not known Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Bronchiectasis Cystic Fibrosis Asthma Pulmonary fibrosis Extrinsic allergic alveolitis Fibrosing alveolitis Pulmonary fibrosis - Other / type not known Pneumoconiosis Asbestosis Pneumoconiosis - coal workers Pneumoconiosis - Other / type not known Silicosis Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration - Other / type not known Sarcoidosis Disease of the pleura Empyema Pleura - Other diseases of / type not known Pleural effusion Pneumothorax Lung transplantation Heart and lung transplantation Pulmonary embolus Pneumonia Lower respiratory tract - Other diseases of / type not known The most important thing to understand about the PIP claims process is that awards are based on how your condition, long-term illness or disability affects you, not the actual condition itself. The DWP makes this distinction clear in the current edition of the online PIP Handbook. The guidance on explains: 'As the assessment principles consider the impact of a claimant's condition on their ability to live independently and not the condition itself, claimants with the same condition may get different outcomes. The outcome is based on an independent assessment and all available evidence.' When you are assessed for PIP, a health professional will look at your ability to carry out a range of daily living activities and mobility activities. The health professional will consider whether your health condition or disability limits your ability to carry out the activities and how much help you need with them. The health professional will then write a report for the PIP decision maker who will use all the evidence and decide whether you are entitled to the benefit, at what rate and for how long. PIP is made up of two parts, the daily living component and the mobility component. Each component can be paid at either the standard rate or the enhanced rate. Who might be eligible for PIP or ADP? To be eligible for PIP or ADP, you must have a health condition or disability where you: have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months expect these difficulties to continue for at least 9 months You usually need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. In addition to what we have outlined above if you get or need help with any of the following because of your condition, you should consider applying for PIP or ADP. eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people working out a route and following it physically moving around leaving your home There are different rules if you are terminally ill, you will find these on the website here. How are PIP and ADP paid? PIP and ADP are usually paid every four weeks unless you are terminally ill, in which case it is paid weekly. It will be paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account. ADP is paid at the same rates as PIP. PIP and ADP payment rates 2025/26 You will need an assessment to work out the level of financial help you will receive and your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you are getting the right support. Payments are made every four weeks. PIP is made up of two components: Daily living Mobility Whether you get one or both of these and how much depends on how severely your condition affects you. You will be paid the following amounts per week depending on your circumstances: Daily living Standard: £73.90 Enhanced: £110.40 Mobility Standard: £29.20 Enhanced: £77.05 How you are assessed You will be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to help the DWP determine the level of financial support, if any, you need, for PIP. Face-to-face consultations for health-related benefits are offered alongside video calls, telephone and paper-based assessments - it's important to be aware the health professional and DWP determine which type of assessment is best suited for each claimant. Adult Disability Payment assessments will not involve face-to-face assessments, unless this is preferred by the claimant. How do you make a claim for PIP? You can make a new claim by contacting the DWP, you will find all the information you need to apply on the website here. Before you call, you will need: your contact details your date of birth your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits your bank or building society account number and sort code your doctor or health worker's name, address and telephone number
