A leading health expert has urged New Zealand to adopt a newly introduced Australian care standard for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a debilitating condition that affects an estimated 200,000 New Zealanders over the age of 45.
COPD, a collective term for diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the fourth leading cause of death in the country. The disease disproportionately affects Māori and Pacific populations, who experience higher rates of diagnosis and more severe impacts. Globally, around 70% of those with COPD are unaware of their condition, making early diagnosis critical.
Dr Lutz Beckert, Professor of Medicine at the University of Otago and a respiratory specialist with Health New Zealand Canterbury, said the Australian Government’s recently launched COPD Clinical Care Standard could offer New Zealand a framework for improving outcomes.
“The new Australian Standard identifies ten critical areas of care to assist those living with COPD, helping them manage symptoms and improve their quality of life,” Beckert said.
Dr Lutz Beckert, Professor of Medicine at the University of Otago and a respiratory specialist with Health New Zealand Canterbury
He emphasised that key elements of the standard, such as access to lung function testing through spirometry, should be adopted in New Zealand. “Funded spirometry should be available through every GP in New Zealand, just as we have funded testing for diabetes or breast cancer,” Beckert said.
The standard also prioritises smoking cessation, early diagnosis, and pulmonary rehabilitation. “Smoking cessation is one of the most effective interventions to slow disease progression. Pulmonary rehabilitation has strong evidence supporting its role in reducing symptoms and hospital admissions while improving patients’ quality of life,” he added.
Occupational risks and awareness
Beckert also highlighted the role of environmental and occupational exposure in developing COPD, with certain jobs significantly increasing the risk.
“Exposure to vapours, gas, dust, or fine particles increases the chance of lung disease by 40%, and when combined with smoking, that risk skyrockets to 620%,” he said. Protecting workers from such exposures could help reduce COPD rates, he added.
Breaking the stigma
Dr James Wethasinghe, another respiratory specialist, said stigma associated with smoking often prevents COPD from receiving the attention it deserves.
“Many people with COPD feel a sense of shame due to smoking, but this disease is devastating and can often go unrecognised for years,” Wethasinghe said. He urged patients experiencing breathlessness or recurrent chest infections to seek medical advice.
“COPD can make everyday tasks like climbing stairs or walking a small hill extremely difficult. Without intervention, the disease can severely impact quality of life, leaving patients feeling isolated and frail,” he said.
Wethasinghe called for increased access to spirometry and earlier intervention to improve diagnosis and treatment. “Respiratory disease cost New Zealand $8 billion in 2019. We need better utilisation of funding, more clinicians, and greater access to diagnostics,” he said.
Treatment advancements
Amanda Southcombe, General Manager of GSK NZ, said recent funding for Trelegy Ellipta, a single-inhaler triple therapy for COPD, would benefit around 15,000 New Zealanders with moderate to severe cases.
“Early identification and tools like spirometry are crucial for better management of COPD. Initiatives like World COPD Awareness Day on November 20 help educate Kiwis about the risks of this deadly disease,” Southcombe said.
World COPD Awareness Day aims to raise the profile of the disease and emphasise the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and management.
