THOUSANDS of Bolton residents could be suffering from a potentially crippling disease — without knowing.

Health experts believe up to 10,000 people could have condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), But only 4,000 in Bolton are registered as sufferers.

Now the Royal Bolton Hospital has spoken out to raise awareness of the condition, to coincide with today’s World COPD Day.

Kamal Ibrahim, consultant respiratory physician, said: “There are a lot of missing people and we want to find them.

“The symptoms include breathlessness and a persistent cough which people put down to ageing or smoking. They think it’s normal which is not the case.

“The most important treatment is stopping smoking and there are also inhalers, tablets, breathing exercises and general keeping fit.”

COPD causes breathlessness and coughing and 80 per cent of cases are linked to smoking. The condition affects people aged 35 and over and can be mild, moderate or severe. Once identified it can be treated and managed but the earlier the diagnosis the better.

Sufferers most profoundly affected by the illness suffer from poor mobility due to breathlessness and can become housebound.

Michaela Bowden, a respiratory nurse specialist said: “Catching it early is best but we can improve things later, we can empower people to manage it and make their lives better.”

Wilfred Haslam, of Hunger Hill, was diagnosed with COPD in November 2005. The 54-year-old said: “It affects me every day but there is a lot of help available.

“People should definitely come forward if they have symptoms, you need to find out what it is and get treatment.”

Exercise classes are held at the Royal Bolton Hospital where sufferers keep fit in a bid to control their condition.

Anyone with any symptoms of COPD is urged to contact their GP surgery for a breathing test.

Bolton Respiratory Support Group meets on the third Thursday of the month at St John’s Community Centre, Brodick Drive, Breightmet, at 2pm.

Bolton Stop Smoking Service can be contacted on 01204 462345.