A plan to improve Scotland’s lung health must take account of the “tragic impact” of covid-19, campaigners have warned.

Last year the Scottish Government launched a draft action plan to improve the diagnosis, care, treatment and support of people living with respiratory conditions.

However Asthma UK and the British Lung Foundation highlighted much has changed as a result of covid-19 for those with a respiratory condition and that “significant investment and resources” must be made available.

In a response submitted to the consultation on the plan, the charities say a new version is required to take account of post covid-related illness such as lung scarring or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

“Sadly, until a vaccine or effective treatment is found we must learn to live with the covid-19 virus,” it says.

“Those living with pre-existing respiratory conditions are rightly nervous about how this may affect them and their lung health.

“We would like to see a plan that strives to improve the respiratory health of everyone in Scotland especially those with pre-existing respiratory conditions to ensure that Scotland lungs are robust and healthy, lessening the tragic impact of the virus.”

While the plan highlights the need to improve access for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), the charities warn there is now a “significant” cohort of covid-19 patients who will also require this service.

“We would like to see everyone who needs PR to be able to access the service, either remotely or in person.

“This is currently not the case and if we ensure everyone has the right to rehab we will see significant savings made in the NHS due to reduced numbers of hospital readmissions.”

Occupational therapists have also called for covid patients to have a “right to rehab”, while allied health professionals have warned of the challenge of supporting virus survivors.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow says in its consultation response that many of those who have had severe cases of covid-19 are likely to have long term respiratory disease, adding to those with existing lung conditions such as asthma, bronchiectasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“There will need to be development of a similar care plan and NHS service to support these individuals and minimise disability and respiratory dysfunction,” it says.

“There appears to be a different susceptibility in people from a BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) background and if borne out the service may need to be tailored to that community.”

ASH Scotland points out reducing tobacco use is essential to improving respiratory health, with many conditions caused or worsened by smoking.

It highlights research which suggest Scotland is at risk of missing a target of becoming smoke-free by 2034 unless urgent action is taken.

However Ian Baxter notes in a response from the Forfar Airways COPD Peer Support Group: “Although many people’s condition may be due to them smoking they still a have a human right to live a life as full as is possible with the correct advice and support.”

Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland says it is disappointing the draft action plan “does not acknowledge the true implications on people’s mental health”, and ‘coming to terms’ with a diagnosis is just one factor.

“Living with frightening and debilitating symptoms such as breathlessness and a possibly poor prognosis are a major cause of anxiety and depression, as are loss of employment, financial worries, social isolation, effects on relationships, repeated hospital admissions and use of medication.

“These have all been amplified in recent weeks because of the emerging impact of covid-19.”

The charity warns that at present physical and mental health are treated in a “very disconnected way”.

“People want – and need – to be put at the centre of their care, to feel like they are listened to, and to be asked how they are feeling mentally as well as physically,” it adds.

“At our focus group many people reported never having been asked how they are feeling or coping.”

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