New research conducted by the British Lung Foundation (BLF) found that about 46,000 people in England could potentially have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and they remain unaware or undiagnosed.

The research also highlighted that the diagnosis rates of COPD have dropped by half in the last year due to breathing tests being suspended because of fears around the spread of COVID-19 and called for better access to diagnostic tests for patients.

The BLF also pointed out how many people go undiagnosed due to a general lack of awareness about symptoms amongst patients and healthcare professionals. With the advent of Covid-19, breathlessness and coughing can be seen as symptoms of Long COVID.